Description
This Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings. Featuring elbow macaroni tossed with a dill pickle relish, hard-boiled eggs, and a zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, this salad offers a delightful crunch and a refreshing bite with every spoonful. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that combines classic comfort ingredients with a bright dill pickle twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
Salad Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup dill pickle relish (or chopped dill pickles)
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with the dressing. Mix gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, dill pickle relish (or chopped pickles), and diced red onion. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Chill and Blend Flavors: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh dill if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, chill the salad for several hours or overnight before serving.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like rotini or shells.
- Adjust the amount of pickle relish according to your taste preference for tanginess.
- Hard-boiled eggs can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter salad option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
