Calling all pickle lovers, this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is about to become your new favorite pasta salad recipe. Packed with crunchy dill pickles, tender pasta, fresh dill, and a creamy dill pickle dressing, this cold pasta salad is tangy, creamy, and loaded with bold pickle flavor in every bite.
Perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, meal prep, or an easy side dish, this dill pickle pasta salad recipe is a fun twist on classic macaroni salads and always a crowd favorite.
If you enjoy this easy recipe, then check out my other recipes like Easy & Healthy Lentil Tabouli Salad, Easy & Balanced Italian Meal Prep Pasta Salad, or my Easy & Balanced Tuna Rice Bowl!
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Ingredients
- Banza Rotini Pasta- High-protein chickpea pasta that adds fiber and plant-based protein.
- Red Onion- Adds crunch and a sharp bite that balances the creamy dressing.
- Dill Pickles- Provide tangy flavor
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken- Optional; A lean, protein-rich ingredient that makes this salad filling and nutritious.
- Avocado Mayo- Creates a creamy dressing while adding healthy fats.
- Fresh Lemon Juice- Adds brightness and balances the richness of the dressing.
- Salt- Enhances all of the flavors.
- Black Pepper- Adds mild spice and depth.
- Smoked Paprika- Provides subtle smoky flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper- Optional, but perfect for adding a little kick.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the Banza rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Salad- While the pasta cools, finely dice the red onion and pickles. Shred chicken and break it apart with a fork if using any or drain a can of tuna.
- Mix Everything Together- In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked pasta, red onion, and diced pickles. Add avocado mayo, lemon juice, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly coated. If adding chicken or tuna, add in this step.
- Serve or Meal Prep- Serve immediately or divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Hint: If you want to make it extra delicious, add in a splash of dill pickle juice and some garlic powder!
Substitutions
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken- Swap shredded rotisserie chicken for canned tuna or canned salmon.
- Banza Pasta- Use whole wheat pasta, lentil pasta, or regular rotini.
- Avocado Mayo- Substitute traditional mayonnaise, olive oil mayonnaise, or plain Greek yogurt. You can also use sour cream.
- Pickles- Use bread and butter pickles, spicy pickles, baby dill pickles, sweet pickles,
- Red Onion- Swap for green onions or shallots or white onion if you don't have any.
- Gluten-Free- Use chickpea pasta or your favorite certified gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-Free- This recipe is naturally dairy-free when using dairy-free mayonnaise.
- Vegetarian- Replace tuna with chickpeas, white beans, or mashed cannellini beans.
Variations
- High Protein Pickle Pasta Salad - Add diced chicken, tuna, or chickpeas.
- Spicy Pickle Pasta Salad - Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Bacon Ranch Version - Add crispy bacon and ranch seasoning.
- Extra Pickle Lover's Salad - Add extra chopped pickles and pickle juice.
- Creamy Dill Chicken Pasta Salad - Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a more filling meal.
- Veggie Loaded Version - Add cucumbers, celery, or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large salad bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Meal prep containers
Storage
This delicious pasta salad recipe tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For best texture, stir before serving.
- If the pasta absorbs some of the dressing, add a small squeeze of lemon juice or a spoonful of mayo before eating.
- This recipe is not recommended for freezing.
Christinas Dietitian Tip
Using chickpea pasta is an easy way to increase both protein and fiber compared to traditional pasta. Pairing the pasta with tuna provides high-quality protein while the healthy fats from avocado mayo help keep you satisfied longer. For even more nutrition, add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or spinach for extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
FAQ
Yes! It actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Rotini, bowtie pasta, shell pasta, and macaroni all work great.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Absolutely. Chicken, tuna, bacon, or chickpeas all work well.
Salads
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Summer Recipes
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Easy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad (Meal Prep Friendly)
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Salad Bowl
- Meal prep Containers
- pot
Ingredients
- 1 Box Banza Rotini
- 1 Medium Red Onion Finely Minced
- 4 Pickle Spears Finely Diced
- 12 oz Rotisserie Chicken Shredded or canned tuna, rinsed and drained
- â…“ cup Avocado Mayo
- ½ Lemon Juiced
- Salt To Taste
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 pinch of Cayenne for a kick
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the Banza rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Salad- While the pasta cools, finely dice the red onion and pickles. Shred chicken and break it apart with a fork if using any or drain some canned tuna.
- Mix Everything Together- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, red onion, and diced pickles. Add avocado mayo, lemon juice, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Mix until everything is evenly coated. If adding chicken or canned tuna, add in this step.
- Serve or Meal Prep- Serve immediately or divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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