Print

Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe with Ham and Cheddar

creamy dill pickle pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy dill pickle pasta salad featuring smoked ham and sharp cheddar, perfect for picnics, BBQs, and casual dinners. This tangy and smoky salad is a crowd-pleaser with a unique flavor twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (150 g) diced smoked ham
  • 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup (150 g) diced dill pickles
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) dill pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool. Set aside to drain well for about 10 minutes.
  3. While pasta cools, dice smoked ham, dill pickles, and sharp cheddar cheese into small cubes about 1/2-inch pieces. Chop fresh dill finely.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add cooled pasta, diced ham, pickles, cheddar, and fresh dill to the dressing. Gently fold everything together until well coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, gently stir the salad. If dressing is too thick, add a splash of pickle juice or milk to loosen.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sogginess. Dice ham and cheddar uniformly for even flavor and better presentation. Use dill pickle juice in the dressing for a tangy brightness. Adjust salt carefully due to salty ingredients. Chill at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor. Leftovers keep well up to 3 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, dill pickle, creamy pasta salad, smoked ham, cheddar cheese, picnic recipe, BBQ side dish, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/creamy-dill-pickle-pasta-salad-recipe-with-ham-and-cheddar-easy-and-perfect/