Description

This creamy dill pickle pasta salad is a tangy, flavorful dish that combines tender fusilli noodles with a rich, zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and sweet pickle relish. Cubes of creamy Havarti cheese and crunchy dill pickles add texture and depth, while a splash of pickle juice perfectly balances the flavors. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is easy to prepare and refreshingly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 lb Fusilli Noodles

Dressing

1 cup Mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred)
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1 large Garlic Clove (grated)
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
3 tablespoons Fresh Dill (roughly chopped)
1 teaspoon White Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more to taste)
Black Pepper (fresh cracked, to taste)

Add-ins

3 tablespoons Sweet Pickle Relish
2 cups Dill Pickles (chopped)
2 tablespoons Pickle Juice (or more, to taste)
8 oz Havarti Cheese (cut into cubes, Roth or similar quality)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles completely. Set aside.
Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, apple cider vinegar, chopped fresh dill, sugar, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Add Pasta and Pickles: Add the cooled fusilli pasta and chopped dill pickles to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Adjust Consistency: Pour in the pickle juice starting with 2 tablespoons to loosen the dressing. Add more pickle juice if you prefer a creamier texture or want to intensify the pickle flavor, adjusting to your taste.
Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the cubed Havarti cheese to add creaminess and richness. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or black pepper if necessary.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the flavors to meld together. It can also be enjoyed immediately for a quick and tasty snack.

Notes

For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
You can substitute Havarti cheese with a mild cheddar or mozzarella if desired.
If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more pickle juice gradually until the desired taste is achieved.
This salad can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.