Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad Recipe

Let’s talk about the ultimate summer side dish—Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad. This dish is everything you love about macaroni salad, but with a zesty twist that comes from the tangy crunch of dill pickles. It’s creamy, tangy, crunchy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, bringing it to a picnic, or just craving something fresh and flavorful for dinner, this macaroni salad is sure to steal the show.

What’s the best part? It’s super easy to whip up, and it’s one of those recipes that only gets better as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep or make-ahead gatherings. Trust me, once you taste that balance of creamy mayo, sharp pickles, and tender pasta, you’ll understand why this recipe is a classic!

Why You’ll Love Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad

Here’s why this salad will quickly become a favorite at your table:

Tangy and Creamy

The creamy dressing mixed with tangy dill pickles is a flavor combo that can’t be beat. Each bite has a delightful balance of rich and tart, with a satisfying crunch from the pickles.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in no time—perfect for when you need a quick side dish to round out your meal. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to pull this off!

Make-Ahead Friendly

Like most pasta salads, this dish actually gets better as it sits! Prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. It’s a great option for potlucks or BBQs.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family meal or a party with friends, this dill pickle macaroni salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile enough to pair with just about anything!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad:

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic and small pasta that holds onto the dressing perfectly.
• Dill Pickles: The key ingredient! Use crunchy, tangy dill pickles for that signature pickle flavor.
• Mayonnaise: For that creamy base that brings everything together.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the dressing.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: A hint of sweetness to balance out the tangy flavors.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild bite and a bit of color.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: For a little extra richness and texture.
• Celery: Gives the salad a satisfying crunch.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the salad perfectly.
• Fresh Dill: Optional, but adds a fresh herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the pickles.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your new favorite summer side dish? Here’s how:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Add-ins

While the pasta cools, chop the dill pickles, red onion, celery, and hard-boiled eggs into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined and smooth. If you’d like a little extra dill flavor, add in some fresh chopped dill to the dressing.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the pickles, onion, celery, and eggs. Pour the dressing over the top and mix until everything is well-coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the macaroni salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight, if you have the time). This gives the flavors a chance to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

How to Serve Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad

This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are some great serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

At BBQs and Cookouts

Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is the perfect companion to grilled meats, burgers, and hot dogs. Serve it alongside some BBQ ribs or grilled chicken for a complete summer meal.

For a Picnic

Pack it up in a container for a picnic in the park. It’s super portable and stays fresh for hours, making it an ideal dish for outdoor gatherings.

As a Side for Sandwiches

Pair it with a hearty sandwich—whether it’s a club sandwich, chicken salad, or classic BLT. The cool, creamy macaroni salad complements any sandwich perfectly.

As a Light Lunch

On its own, this macaroni salad can be a filling and light lunch. Add a side of fruit or a small green salad for a more balanced meal.

Additional Tips

• Customize Your Veggies: You can switch up the vegetables based on what you like. Add in some green bell peppers, carrots, or even cucumber for added crunch and color.
• Make it Lighter: Use light or Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise for a lighter version of this salad. You can also skip the sweet pickle relish for less sugar.
• Add Protein: Make this salad a bit heartier by adding some grilled chicken, ham, or even tuna for a protein boost.
• Make it Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have melded together. It’s a great dish to prepare the night before and serve at parties or gatherings.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories per serving: 220
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling the eggs and pasta)
• Total Time: 25 minutes + chill time (1-2 hours or overnight)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to use shells, rotini, or any other small pasta that you prefer.

Q2: Can I make this macaroni salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge!

Q3: Can I skip the hard-boiled eggs?
A3: Yes, you can leave out the eggs if you prefer, or even swap them for something like cubed cheese for a different texture.

Q4: How long will leftovers last?
A4: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Q5: Can I make this salad vegan?
A5: Yes, you can use vegan mayo and skip the hard-boiled eggs to make it fully vegan.

Q6: Can I use dill pickle spears instead of slices?
A6: Yes! Just chop them up into small pieces, and they’ll work perfectly in the salad.

Q7: How do I make this salad creamier?
A7: If you want a creamier texture, you can add a little extra mayo or even a touch of sour cream.

Q8: Can I add other veggies to this salad?
A8: Absolutely! Try adding sweet peas, bell peppers, or even some shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.

Q9: Is this macaroni salad gluten-free?
A9: If you use gluten-free pasta, this salad will be gluten-free!

Q10: Can I make this salad spicy?
A10: Yes! Add a bit of chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is the perfect dish to bring a little extra flavor to any meal. It’s creamy, tangy, and absolutely irresistible, with the dill pickles adding that special touch that makes it stand out from your regular macaroni salad. So, whether you’re grilling out, hosting a party, or just craving something refreshing, this salad will hit the spot every time. Enjoy!

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