Sweet Home Moonshine Pickle Pasta Salad
Yields: Approximately 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: At least 30 minutes (recommended)
Ingredients:
- 1 pound short pasta (such as rotini, penne, elbow macaroni, or farfalle)
- 1 cup dill pickle relish (or chopped dill pickles)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons pickle brine (liquid from the Moonshine Pickles)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup chopped celery
- Optional additions:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Chopped ham, cooked chicken, or chickpeas for added protein
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
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Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), pickle brine, Dijon mustard, dried dill, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Add the vegetables and pickles: Stir in the dill pickle relish (or chopped pickles), red onion, and celery into the dressing.
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Combine pasta and dressing: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing, vegetables, and pickles. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
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Add optional ingredients (if using): If you're adding cheese, parsley, hard-boiled eggs, or protein, stir them in gently.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, chill for at least 1-2 hours.
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Adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, pickle brine for extra tang, or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.
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Serve: Serve the short pickle pasta salad chilled. It's a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Tips and Variations: