Dill pickle macaroni salad, destined to become every pickle lover’s new favorite side dish!
Loaded with crunchy dill pickles, cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and tossed in a rich, tangy dressing, this creamy pasta salad is packed with bold pickle flavor in every bite.
Dill pickles are having a moment! We’re frying them (check out my insanely good fried pickle recipe), making them into dips, mixing them into chicken salad, putting them on pizza, using them to flavor potato chips and – now – serving them up in a new twist on a classic summer side dish.
Whether you’re planning summer cookouts, family gatherings, or your next potluck, this delicious dill pickle mac salad is always a hit.
It’s the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, tangy and savory, making it one of the best pasta salads you’ll ever make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for dill pickle fans.
- Simple recipe that comes together quickly.
- Cold pasta salad that’s ideal for warm weather. No oven required!
- Great for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day.
- Makes the perfect side dish for burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken and sandwiches.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Dill pickles
- Cheddar cheese
- Onion
- Mayonnaise
- Dill pickle juice
- Fresh dill
- Dijon mustard
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad
Cook the Macaroni
Boil and drain the macaroni according to package instructions for al dente. Then, rinse the pasta with cold water.
This will stop the cooking process and also prevent the macaroni from getting mushy and sticking together.
Dice and Chop
Prep your mix ins: Dice the dill pickles and the cheddar cheese, grate the onion and chop the fresh dill.
Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated onion, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and dill.
Assemble the Macaroni Salad
Now, gently fold the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese cubes and chopped pickles into the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This yummy mac salad pairs well with just about any summer meal!
Serve it alongside:
- Grilled burgers
- BBQ chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Hot dogs
- Fried chicken
- Cold sandwiches
- Grilled sausages
Variations
The pasta. Although elbow macaroni is the classic shape, any kind of small pasta will work. Try shells or orecchiette pasta for variation.
The onion. White onion is recommended, but if you like more of a bite, try using red onion instead.
Add some smoke. Many people like to add chopped bacon or ham to this recipe. The flavors play well with the dill profile.
Try some crunch. Chopped celery, green onions or bell peppers add a nice texture.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover dill pickle macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
The salad actually develops even more flavor by the next day as the pasta absorbs the dressing and pickle brine – so it’s also a great make ahead option!
Tips for the Best Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after chilling.
- Right after draining, rinse the macaroni thoroughly with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming clumpy.
- Use quality crunchy pickles for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the dill pickle juice – it gives the dressing incredible tang.
- Avoid substituting dried dill in this recipe. Dill is the primary flavor, and fresh is best.
- Chill for at least one hour before serving for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight. Making it a day ahead allows all the flavors to meld together.
Yes! The pickle jar contains flavorful pickle brine that’s perfect for adding extra tang to the dressing.
Yes. I would recommend using half mayo and half Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Definitely. While elbow macaroni is classic, other small pasta shapes like bowtie pasta, rotini pasta and shell pasta all both work beautifully in this recipe.
When you make this dill pickle macaroni salad, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more summer side dish recipes, try these:
For more macaroni salad recipes try these:
Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz. elbow macaroni
- 2 cups dill pickles diced
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese diced
- 1/2 cup grated white onion
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Boil and drain the pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Rinse with cold water.
- Grate the onion using a box grater or the grater attachment on a food processor. Dice the pickles and the cheese. Chop the fresh dill.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle juice, mustard, cayenne, salt, pepper, grated onion and dill.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni, pickles and cheese. Serve cold or at room temperature.
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