Description
This Classic Dill Pickle Macaroni Salad combines tender elbow macaroni with a creamy dressing, tangy dill pickle relish, hard-boiled eggs, and crisp red onion. It’s a refreshing, flavorful side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, with a delightful balance of creaminess and tang.
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)
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 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 in 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 evenly distributed.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh dill if desired.
Notes
- Use elbow macaroni or any small shaped pasta that holds dressing well.
- For extra tang, use chopped fresh dill pickles instead of relish.
- Chilling the salad for several hours enhances the flavors.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- This salad keeps well for 3-4 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
