Print

Creamy Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Dill Ranch Cheddar Cheese Delight

creamy pickle pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy and tangy pasta salad featuring dill ranch dressing, sharp cheddar cheese, and crunchy pickles. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta (about 225 grams)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup dill pickles, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of elbow macaroni or rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta. Drain well.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Dice 1 cup of dill pickles into small cubes and finely chop ½ cup red onion. Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta, pickles, red onion, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dill ranch dressing over and gently fold with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cheese from clumping.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors marry and the pasta soak up the dressing.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent stickiness. Keep cheddar shreds chunky for texture. Make ahead for better flavor. Add a splash of milk or extra mayo if salad seems dry after chilling. Use dried dill for consistent flavor. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickle pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, dill ranch dressing, cheddar cheese salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-pickle-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-dill-ranch-cheddar-cheese-delight/