½cupfinely chopped sweet yellow onion like Vidalia, or a generic brand
½cupsliced green onion
4tablespoonschopped fresh dilldivide 2 tablespoons for pasta and 2 tablespoons for dressing
Dressing
¾cupmayonnaise
½cupsour cream
⅓cupdill pickle juice
½teaspoononion powder
½teaspoonkosher salt
½teaspoonfresh cracked black pepper
½teaspoonchipotle powder
Instructions
Pasta Salad
Bring a 6 to 7 quart pot of water to boil. Add the rotini and cook uncovered until the pasta is al dente.
16 ounce package Rotini Pasta
Drain the pasta using a colander. Run cold water over the pasta to halt the cooking process. Allow the pasta to drain completely before transferring to a large bowl.
Stir in the sliced pickles, diced cheese, onion, green onion and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill until well combined.
2 cups baby dill pickles, 1½ cup diced sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion, ½ cup sliced green onion, 4 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Dressing
In a medium size bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, onion powder, remaining 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill, salt, pepper and chipotle powder and whisk until completely smooth and combined.
¾ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, ⅓ cup dill pickle juice, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
Assembly
Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir well until evenly coated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Storage :
Store any leftover dill pickle pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir—the dressing may settle or absorb into the pasta over time. To freshen the flavor, add a small splash of pickle juice from the jar or a spoonful of mayo or sour cream to bring the creaminess back to life.
Tips :
Let the pasta cool fully before adding the dressing. Warm pasta can soak up too much dressing and turn the salad soggy.
Avoid sweet pickles for this recipe. Tangy, garlicky dill pickles are the key to that bold, savory flavor.
Start with a small pinch and taste as you go. It adds a smoky kick that can sneak up quickly!
Crumbled cooked bacon adds savory crunch and makes the dish even more satisfying.
A little sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top just before serving adds a fresh, vibrant touch. It’s a simple way to elevate your dish and make it look even more appetizing!