Description
Creamy classic dill pickle macaroni salad brings tangy summer memories to life with its zesty crunch. Cool pasta and briny pickles mingle perfectly, creating a refreshing side dish that makes you crave another delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled
- ¾ cup (180 ml) dill pickles, chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dressing Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) dill pickle juice
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in a pot of salted water until tender, following package instructions. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then spread on a flat surface to cool completely.
- Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, tangy pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until fully blended and smooth.
- Transfer cooled macaroni to a spacious mixing bowl, then incorporate crisp chopped pickles, finely diced celery, thinly sliced red onion, and fragrant fresh dill. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, gently folding to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and distributed throughout the salad.
- Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for minimum one hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prior to serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute dressing. Optionally garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs or chopped pickle pieces for extra visual appeal and texture.
Notes
- Rinse macaroni thoroughly with cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
- Use high-quality dill pickles for maximum flavor, preferably homemade or artisanal brands for a more robust taste profile.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version that cuts down on calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Consider adding crispy bacon bits or diced ham for extra protein and a smoky dimension that complements the tangy pickle flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg