Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad

🥒 Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🕒 Cook Time: 10 minutes

🕒 Chill Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)

🍽️ Serves: 6–8

🧂 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta like ditalini or shells)

• 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped (about 4–5 medium pickles)

• ½ cup celery, finely diced (adds crunch)

• ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed (optional, but adds richness)

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• 2 tablespoons pickle juice (from the jar)

For the Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for tang and creaminess)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)

• 1 tablespoon pickle juice (extra from the jar)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste (start with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add macaroni and cook until al dente (check the box instructions—usually 7–9 minutes).

• Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

• Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing

• In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Adjust seasoning to your liking (you can add more pickle juice for extra tang).

3. Assemble the Salad

• In the bowl with the dressing, fold in:

  • Cooked and cooled macaroni

  • Chopped pickles

  • Celery

  • Red onion

  • Cheese cubes (if using)

  • Fresh chopped dill

• Add 2 tablespoons more pickle juice if you want a bolder pickle flavor.

4. Chill (Optional but Recommended)

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

• This allows flavors to meld and improves texture.

5. Serve

• Garnish with extra chopped pickles or dill.

• Stir before serving (the dressing may thicken in the fridge, so loosen it with a splash of pickle juice or mayo if needed).

📝 Tips & Variations

• Egg Option: Add 2–3 chopped hard-boiled eggs for a twist.

• Make it Lighter: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped ham for a full meal.

• Spice It Up: Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.

Let me know if you want a printable version or need a specific dietary version (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, keto).