Description
This creamy dill pickle pasta salad combines al dente fusilli noodles with a tangy, herbaceous dressing and crunchy dill pickles, topped with rich Havarti cheese for an irresistible, chilled summer dish. Perfect for picnics or as a flavorful side, it’s quick to prepare and packed with savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 lb Fusilli Noodles
For the Dressing
- 1 cup Mayo Duke’s (or preferred mayonnaise)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 large Garlic Clove, grated
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon White Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice (more if needed)
Herbs and Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Dill, roughly chopped and packed
- 2 cups Dill Pickles, chopped
Cheese
- 8 oz Havarti Cheese, cut into cubes
Other
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, apple cider vinegar, chopped dill, sweet pickle relish, sugar, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and several cracks of black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta and chopped dill pickles to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust consistency: Pour in the pickle juice, starting with 2 tablespoons. Mix thoroughly and add more if you prefer a looser, creamier salad.
- Add cheese: Gently fold in the cubed Havarti cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Season and serve: Taste for seasoning, adjusting with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Feel free to add extra pickle juice for a tangier flavor or to loosen the dressing further.
- This salad can be made a day ahead; keep refrigerated and stir before serving.
- Using fresh dill enhances the herbaceous flavor, but dried dill can be substituted if necessary.
- Havarti cheese adds a creamy richness, but Swiss or mozzarella can be used as alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
