Print

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

creamy dill pickle pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy dill pickle pasta salad with homemade ranch seasoning, perfect for potlucks and BBQs. This tangy, crunchy, and creamy salad is a crowd-pleaser with a unique flavor twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 225g)
  • 1 cup chopped crunchy dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought ranch seasoning mix
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, preferably full-fat
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dill pickle juice
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (approximately 3.8 liters) of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups (225g) elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain fully (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup (180ml) mayonnaise, 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream, 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix, and 1/4 cup (60ml) dill pickle juice until smooth and creamy.
  3. Finely dice 1 cup dill pickles, 1/2 cup celery, and slice 2 green onions thinly. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh dill if using.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped pickles, celery, green onions, and fresh dill. Pour the ranch dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  5. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust thickness with a tablespoon or two of milk or pickle juice if desired.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not skip chilling the salad; it enhances the flavor. Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and cool it. Use fresh dried herbs for homemade ranch seasoning for best flavor. Adjust salt carefully as pickles and ranch seasoning add saltiness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut-based sour cream alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: dill pickle pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, ranch seasoning, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, picnic salad

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/creamy-dill-pickle-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-ranch-seasoning-guide/