Description
This Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is a tangy and creamy cold dish that combines al dente fusilli pasta with chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and creamy Havarti cheese, all coated in a flavorful mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, this salad offers a refreshing and satisfying taste with a balance of tang and creaminess.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pasta
- 1 lb Fusilli Noodles
For the Dressing
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 large Garlic Clove (grated)
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Dill (roughly chopped)
- 1 teaspoon White Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more to taste)
- Black Pepper (fresh cracked, to taste)
Additional
- 2 cups Dill Pickles (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Pickle Juice (or more, to taste)
- 8 oz Havarti Cheese (cut into cubes, Roth or similar quality)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool completely.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, apple cider vinegar, chopped dill, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add Pasta and Pickles: Add the cooled pasta and chopped dill pickles to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold to coat the noodles evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: Pour in the pickle juice starting with 2 tablespoons to loosen the dressing and add more if desired for creaminess or flavor adjustment.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the cubed Havarti cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, or enjoy immediately for a quick snack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with additional fresh dill before serving.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- Using sharp or aged Havarti enhances the flavor but mild versions work as well.
- Ensure pasta is fully cooled before mixing with the dressing to prevent melting of the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
