Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad
Creamy, tangy, and crunchy, this Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad combines pasta, dill pickles, cheddar cheese, and a zesty dressing for the ultimate potluck favorite. Perfect for make-ahead meals!
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If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the tangy crunch of dill pickles meets the creamy comfort of macaroni salad, wonder no more—this Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is here to blow your taste buds away! A beloved dish at potlucks and picnics, this salad is the perfect blend of bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s versatile enough to pair with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even stand alone as a star side dish. But what really sets it apart? The punchy dill pickle juice in the dressing and the generous chunks of sharp cheddar cheese that make every bite unforgettable. Ready to dive into this unique twist on a classic? Let’s get cooking!
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Ingredients
For the Salad Dressing:
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| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Dill pickle brine | ¼ cup (extracted from the pickle jar) |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Freshly chopped dill | 2 tablespoons (additional for garnish) |
For the Pasta:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cellentani or corkscrew pasta | 1 pound |
| Finely diced baby dill pickles | 2 cups (additional for garnish) |
| Cubed sharp cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
- Pasta Preparation: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook it until al dente, as per the instructions on the packaging. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent the noodles from sticking together. Ensure thorough drainage before transferring the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Dressing Preparation: In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, onion powder, and chopped fresh dill. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Assembling the Salad: Add the prepared dressing to the bowl containing the cooled pasta. Follow this by adding the diced dill pickles and cubes of sharp cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients gently yet thoroughly to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and the pickles and cheese are well-distributed throughout the salad.
- Seasoning and Garnishing: Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Finally, garnish the salad with additional chopped fresh dill. This not only enhances the flavor but also improves the visual appeal of the dish.
Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad at your next gathering! 🥒🧀🥗
