Description
Loaded with tangy dill pickles, olives, and chunks of cheddar cheese, this creamy pasta salad is a favorite for potlucks and gatherings.
Ingredients
- ½ pound dry pasta (about 2 cups elbow macaroni)
- ¾ cup diced dill pickles
- ¾ cup finely cubed cheddar cheese
- 2.5 oz can sliced black olives
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp pickle juice
- 2 Tbsp milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dry dill
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until barely al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until cooled.
2. While pasta is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle juice, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and cayenne pepper to make the dressing. Chill until ready to use.
3. Dice the pickles, cube the cheddar cheese into small pieces, and drain the olives.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, pickles, cheese, olives, and dressing. Stir until evenly coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to 24 hours before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta or it may become mushy.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
As the pasta absorbs dressing over time, stir in extra milk or mayonnaise before serving if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 27mg