Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is a tangy and creamy side dish that combines al dente elbow macaroni with crunchy dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs. Enhanced with a zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, and pickle juice, this salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a refreshing summer salad. Optional bacon adds a smoky depth, balancing the bright flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 8 ounces cubed cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup diced yellow onion
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons pickle juice
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Optional

  • 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled macaroni, chopped dill pickles, cubed cheddar cheese, diced yellow onion, chopped fresh dill, and diced red bell pepper. If using, add the cooked and crumbled bacon at this stage.
  3. Prepare Dressing and Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the pickle juice, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is well coated and evenly combined.
  4. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to chill. Before serving, give it a gentle stir, then serve cold as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
  • You can adjust the amount of pickle juice to taste for more tanginess.
  • The salad can be made a day in advance and stored refrigerated to enhance flavors.
  • To keep the salad vegetarian, omit the bacon.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/dill-pickle-macaroni-salad-recipe/