Pasta Salad With Fresh Dill

It's the perfect side dish for warm weather, summer picnics, meal prep, or easy lunches throughout the week. Whether you serve it alongside grilled foods or pack it for a light lunch the next day, this creamy pasta salad is one of those recipes people keep coming back to.

If you love dishes like our Cold Tuna Pasta Salad or Potato Salad without Eggs, this pasta salad has that same cool, creamy feel with a fun twist from the dill pickles and fresh herbs.

With some simple ingredients you'll soon have a creamy, crunchy cold salad full of fresh flavor.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Small Pasta Shells: Holds onto the creamy dressing and creates the perfect texture.
• Celery: Adds crunch and freshness throughout the salad.
• Radishes: Brings a crisp bite and subtle peppery flavor.
• Dill Pickles: Adds tang and makes this feel like a creamy dill pickle pasta salad.
• Red Onion: Gives the salad a sharper bite and balances the creamy elements.
• Cottage Cheese or Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy, protein-rich dressing base.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps smooth out the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the salad and balances the creaminess.
• Fresh Dill: Adds fresh flavor and ties all the ingredients together.
• Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
• Black Pepper: Adds warmth and depth.

Grab some measuring cups and spoons, a food processor (if you want a really smooth dressing), and large bowl.

• Extra Pickle Flavor: Add a splash of dill pickle juice for even more tangy flavor.
• Pasta Options: Swap in rotini pasta, bowtie pasta, protein pasta, or chickpea pasta.
• Cheese Addition: Add sharp cheddar cheese or feta cheese for more richness.
• Extra Vegetables: Mix in cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, or romaine lettuce for a more colorful pasta salad.

This creamy dill pasta salad comes together quickly in one bowl, unless you want it super smooth, then you can use a food processor for the dressing.

If you don't have leftover pasta, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

While pasta cooks, add cottage cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and fresh dill to a food processor and blend until smooth (if using Greek yogurt instead, simply mix all ingredients in a large bowl).

Add creamy dressing to a large bowl. Mix in celery, pickles, radishes, onion, salt and pepper.

Add cooked pasta shells and stir until evenly combined. Garnish with additional fresh chopped dill if desired. Chill until ready to serve.

Hint: Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water so the dressing stays creamy and fresh.

• Don't Overcook: Keep the pasta al dente for the best texture once chilled.
• Let It Chill: Refrigerating for a couple of hours helps the flavors blend together.
• Use Fresh Dill: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in the final flavor.

For another refreshing summer side dish, our Broccoli Salad with Cranberries pairs perfectly with this recipe.

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• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate.
• Make Ahead: Prepare a couple hours ahead so the flavors continue to develop.

• Mains: Pulled Pork, Chicken Thighs, Oven Brisket, Slow Cooker Brisket, Pulled Pork Sliders or Brisket Sliders.
• More Sides: Coleslaw, Keto Broccoli Salad and Baked Mac and Cheese.

Yes, Greek yogurt works well and creates a slightly tangier creamy dressing.

It has a noticeable dill pickle flavor, but the fresh dill and lemon juice help balance it.

Small shells, rotini pasta, or bowtie pasta all work great because they hold the dressing well.

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