Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad

Let’s talk about summer. What are some of the best side dishes to serve at a backyard BBQ? is chilling in your fridge, ready to rescue you from a “what’s for lunch?” What is a classic macaroni salad? What is a Macaroni Salad with Dill Pickle? What is that creamy, comforting vibe you crave, but with a tangy, zesty kick that’ll have everyone talking about it. What is the recipe for asking for seconds? Is it better than grandma’s Potato Salad?

What is Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad?

Think of it as your favorite creamy macaroni salad but with a major flavor boost! We’re talking tender macaroni, a rich and tangy dressing, and the star of the show: The star. What is the flavor of dill pickles? The creaminess from mayo and Sour Cream is perfectly balanced by the briny, acidic pickles. Is this a typical macaroni salad? My husband, who isn’t always a fan of macaroni salad, devours this stuff. It’s that good!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? What are some of the Best Dill pickles in a macaroni salad? Is it creamy, tangy, and just a little bit salty?

But beyond the taste, this recipe is ridiculously easy to Make. Seriously, if you can boil pasta and chop vegetables, you can make this Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, or when you need to whip up something quick for a potluck. I always make a big batch on Sunday so I can have it for lunch throughout the week – it gets even better as the flavors meld together!

What are the advantages of being budget friendly All ingredients are pretty common and inexpensive, which is always a win in my book. And let’s not forget the versatility! Can you serve this Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad as a side dish with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, etc.? Is it safe to eat chicken straight from the bowl?

What I love about this is how unexpected it is. People always assume that macaroni salad is going to be sweet and boring, and then they try this. And they have no idea what it is. Their minds are blown! Is this a crowd pleaser? If you make this once, you’ll be making it all summer long. Is it better than Pasta Salad?

How do you make a salad with dill pickles?

Quick Overview

Making this Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is as easy as 1-2-3. Cook your macaroni, chop your veggies (and lots of pickles!), whisk together your dressing, and combine everything. The best part? It’s even better after it’s had a chance to chill in the fridge for a few hours, so the flavors can really meld together. It seriously takes about 20 minutes, so there’s no excuse to not make it!.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer full-fat for the best flavor, but you can use light if you prefer)
* 1/2 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt also works in a pinch!)
* 1/4 cup dill pickle juice (don’t skip this! It’s key to the flavor)
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1 cup chopped dill pickles (I like to use baby spinach for extra flavor)
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional, but I love the little bit of bite it adds)*
* 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped (optional, but adds a nice creaminess)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. I always set a timer to avoid mushy macaroni salad. Nobody likes to eat it! How do you drain the macaroni and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. What should I do to prevent my macaroni from sticking together?

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, yellow mustard, and salt. Set aside. What is the recipe for garlic powder, salt and pepper? I always taste the dressing at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed. I like to add a little extra dill pickle juice to my salad. Is this healthy?

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

What are the best ways to chop dill pickles, celery, and red onion into small, even pieces? How do you distribute the flavors in a salad?

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked macaroni, chopped dill pickles, celery, red onion (if using), and hard-boiled eggs (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. How do I make a salad to chill? I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait!

Step 6: Serve

Before serving, give the salad a good stir and add dill pickle juice if desired. I need to adjust the consistency. What are some good ways to serve fresh dill Ice Cream with a sprinkle of fresh mint?

What should I serve it with?

What is a good side dish for summer?

For a BBQ:Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs or chicken. Is it good with watermelon and corn on the cob?

For a Picnic:Pack it in a cooler with sandwiches, chips, and Fruit Salad for an easy picnic lunch.

As a Side Dish:Serve it with your favorite weeknight meals, such as meatloaf, baked chicken, or even just grilled. What are cheese sandwiches?

For a Potluck:What is a good salad for potlucks?

We even had it with Thanksgiving leftovers one year (don’t ask)! I adore cheese and it was a perfect complement to the savory flavors. Okay, maybe that’s just me, but seriously, it works!

How do I make a Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad?

After making this Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad approximately a million times, I’ve picked up some of the leftovers. What are some tips to improve your writing skills?

Don’t overcook the macaroni.What is the most important tip? Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy salad, which nobody wants. Cook macaroni until al dente, which means it’s still slightly firm to the bite. Is this a big deal?

Use good quality mayonnaise.Since mayonnaise is a key ingredient in dressings, it’s important to use good quality brand. I prefer full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor, but you can use light if you prefer. Why is it so important not to use anything too sweet?

Don’t skip the dill pickle juice: it’s aWhat is the secret of salad flavor? Don’t be afraid to add a little extra if you want an extra kick. I’ve been known to sneak in a tablespoon or two when I want something super yummy.

Chop the vegetables finely: Chopping the dill pickles, celery, and red onion into small, even pieces will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the salad. Nobody wants a big chunk of onion in one bite!

Let it chill: This is crucial! The salad needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

Customize it to your liking: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients! You can add other vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots. You can also add different types of pickles, such as sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles. I once tried adding a little bit of hot sauce for a spicy kick, and it was surprisingly delicious! I’ve also heard bacon bits are amazing, but I haven’t braved that one yet. Maybe you will!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Room Temperature: Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the mayonnaise and sour cream can separate and become watery when thawed. Plus, the macaroni can get a little weird. Just make it fresh – it’s so easy!

Glaze Timing Advice: There’s no glaze in this recipe, but if you were thinking of adding a drizzle of something sweet, do it right before serving. That way it won’t get soggy while the macaroni salad chills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute vegan mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also use plant-based hard-boiled eggs or omit them entirely. The flavor will still be amazing!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes such as ditalini, small shells, or rotini. Just make sure to cook them al dente.

Can I add protein?

Definitely! Cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or diced ham would all be delicious additions.

My salad is too dry. What can I do?

Stir in a little extra mayonnaise or dill pickle juice until you reach your desired consistency. I always keep a little extra on hand just in case!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad recipe! It’s the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and savory, and it’s always a hit at parties and potlucks. I truly believe this is the summer side dish you never knew you needed! It’s so easy to make, budget-friendly, and totally customizable, so you can really make it your own. If you’re a fan of pickles (and who isn’t?), you absolutely have to try this recipe!

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other summer side dish recipes, like my Classic Coleslaw and my Watermelon Feta Salad. And if you try this Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, and what creative variations you come up with. Happy cooking!