Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Prep Time
10 minsCook Time
12 minsFree Time
to read a chapter of your favorite book
This unique pickle pasta salad is a guaranteed summer potluck hit. The tangy punch of chopped pickles pairs well with the creamy richness of mayonnaise, creating a balanced dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. A generous sprinkling of fresh herbs like dill adds a burst of aromatic freshness, adding some depth and complexity that elevates this pasta salad from a simple side dish to an unexpected delight.
One of the greatest conveniences of making this salad is the ease of preparing the pasta in the Anyday dish. Forget about waiting for water to boil on the stove. Instead, simply simply add the pasta and water to your Anyday dish and cook it quickly and efficiently. Once the pasta is ready add the seasoning, close the lid, shake well to evenly coat the noodles with dressing and mix-ins serve!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Large Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 2 cups (280g) penne pasta
- 2 cups (450ml) water
- 2 dill pickle spears (3oz-86g), chopped
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (60g) red onion, diced small
- 8 tablespoons mayonnaise, or sour cream
- 4 tablespoons pickle liquid
- 4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 4 dashes of hot sauce
Preparation
- Place the pasta and water in the Anyday dish and stir to combine.
- Cook in the microwave uncovered for 12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Try a noodle and add more time if needed!
- Using the Anyday Strainer, strain any excess water before and allow it to fully cool.
- Once cool, add the pasta back into the Anyday dish, alongside the remaining ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Crunchy topping: Top the salad with crispy shallots or crumbled potato chips for an added crunch and texture contrast.
- Tangy twist: Substitute the dill pickles with sauerkraut for a tangier, more intense flavor.
- Sweet addition: Add sliced green grapes for a refreshing pop of sweetness to balance the tangy flavors.
- Bacon bits: Add crumbled crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory contrast to the tangy pickles.
Recipe notes
- Use any kind of pickles, but dill ones are our preferred choice overall. Bread and butter make a delicious salad but you might need to add some lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Pickle Pasta Pasta Salad in the Microwave
What is pickle pasta salad?
Pickle pasta salad is a simple side dish that combines cooked pasta with chopped pickles dressed in a creamy mayo-based dressing made with pickle juice and dill. To enhance the flavor and texture, add onions and cheese, or even bell peppers or celery. Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at gatherings, such as a summer potluck or barbecue where its bold, zesty taste can complement a wide range of main dishes.
Can I make pasta salad in the microwave?
Absolutely! One of the great benefits of using the Anyday dish to cook pasta is that you don't need to wait for the water to boil. Simply add the pasta and water to the dish and cook it in the microwave. After the pasta is cooked, strain it, let it cool, and then place the pasta back in the Anyday dish. Add your dressing ingredients, securely press on the lid, and give it a good shake to mix everything evenly. This method not only saves time but also simplifies the preparation process, making it a breeze to whip up delicious pasta salad. Check out our Mediterranean-Inspired Pasta Salad and our Spicy Peanut Noodle Salad.
How do I store dill pickle salad?
This dill pickle pasta salad can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when kept in an Anyday dish with the lid securely pressed down. Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended, as creamy dressing-based pasta salads do not respond well to freezing and thawing, which often results in undesirable changes in texture and consistency. For the best flavor and texture, it's ideal to enjoy pasta salads out of the fridge.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
To make your dill pickle pasta salad in advance, start by cooking your pasta in an Anyday dish following the directions. After cooking, quickly cool the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain its firm texture. Add the dressing ingredients and shake or stir well, then store the salad in an Anyday dish with the tightly secured lid to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. If you're including delicate ingredients like fresh herbs or crisp vegetables, add them closer to serving time to preserve their texture. Before serving, stir the salad well, adjust the seasonings, and if needed, add a bit more dressing. This approach allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the salad fresh and delicious.
