Description
Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and refreshing pasta salad featuring tender macaroni and crunchy dill pickles tossed in a luscious dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, this vibrant dish offers a zesty twist on traditional macaroni salad with a perfect balance of creaminess and crunch that makes every bite delightful and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 2 cups small elbow macaroni or shells pasta
- 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (leaves only)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni pasta, and cook until just tender, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the tanginess to taste.
- Chop the additions: Finely dice the dill pickles, celery, and red onion. Chop the fresh dill leaves, avoiding the tougher stems, to add crunch, flavor, and that signature dill note.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the drained pasta, chopped vegetables, and herbs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together to evenly coat the macaroni without breaking it.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and for the salad to chill perfectly for summer enjoyment.
Notes
- Use quality dill pickles with firm texture for the best tang and crunch.
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente for ideal texture.
- Chill the salad thoroughly to enhance flavor depth.
- Adjust seasoning after chilling by adding salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Mix gently to maintain the macaroni shape and avoid mushiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No baking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg