This Sweet Pickle Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed side dish made with tender pasta, crunchy sweet pickles, and a creamy, zippy dressing. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy — perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or just as a crave-worthy lunch. This retro-style salad delivers big flavor in every bite and is incredibly easy to make ahead!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins
❄️ Chill Time: 30 mins
⏱️ Total Time: 45 mins
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
🔢 Calories per Serving: ~280
📝 Ingredients:
- 🍝 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (or small shells)
- 🥒 ¾ cup chopped sweet pickles (plus 1–2 tbsp pickle juice)
- 🧅 ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 🌿 ½ cup chopped celery
- 🥚 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional but classic)
For the Dressing:
- 🥄 ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 🍯 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 🧂 ½ tsp salt
- 🌿 ¼ tsp black pepper
- 🍬 1 tsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 🥒 1 tbsp sweet pickle juice
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Let cool.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, pickle juice, salt, pepper, and sugar until smooth.
3️⃣ Combine & Toss
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chopped pickles, onion, celery, and hard-boiled eggs (if using). Pour dressing over and toss until everything is well coated.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Stir again before serving, and add a splash of pickle juice or mayo if needed.
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- ✅ Bursting with sweet-tangy pickle flavor
- ✅ Creamy and crunchy in every bite
- ✅ Make-ahead and potluck-friendly
- ✅ Customizable with eggs, cheese, or diced ham
- ✅ A retro classic with a modern twist!
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