🥒 Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad
Creamy, tangy, and loaded with crunchy dill pickles, this macaroni salad is a must-have side dish for picnics, BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings. If you love pickles, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite — cool, refreshing, and irresistibly nostalgic.
🛒 Ingredients
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2 cups macaroni pasta (elbow or shells)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup pickle juice (from the jar)
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1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
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1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
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1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (optional for crunch)
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta completely.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Pickle Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, pickle juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. The pickle juice adds that signature tangy kick.
3️⃣ Add the Pickle Goodness
Stir in the chopped dill pickles, red onion, celery, and fresh dill. Mix well so the flavors are evenly distributed.
4️⃣ Combine & Chill
Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl and gently fold until fully coated in the creamy pickle dressing.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld beautifully.