Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
3 cups dry pasta (rotini, bowtie, or macaroni works well)
1 cup diced dill pickles
⅔ cup pickle juice (divided)
1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
½ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup celery, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Once the pasta is drained, toss it with ¼ cup pickle juice and set aside to absorb the flavor while it cools.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, remaining pickle juice, and fresh dill until smooth.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Add the cooled pasta to the dressing.
Fold in the diced pickles, cheddar cheese, red onion, and celery. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with extra dill if desired.