Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Calling all dill pickle lovers! You’re going to love this Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad! Every bite is loaded with crunchy dill pickles, fresh dill, tender gluten-free pasta, and a creamy, tangy dressing that’s bursting with pickle flavor. This creamy, gluten-free, vegan pasta salad is the perfect summer side dish for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks, and camping!

If you like dill pickles, this Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is about to become your new favorite summer side dish. The secret? Plenty of dill pickle juice mixed right into the creamy dressing. It adds bright dill pickle flavor making every bite taste like your favorite deli-style pasta salad—but even better. And it keeps this gluten-free pasta from drying out.

I made this last weekend for a family cabin trip and it was the perfect side dish to serve alongside our plant-based burgers, BBQ tofu, and chickpea salad! I wish I would have thought to take a photo but I was so starving from our 6 mile hike through Hocking Hills that I forgot 😅, so you’ll just have to take my word for it 🙃.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

• Completely gluten-free and vegan
• Packed with crunchy dill pickles
• Rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful
• Fresh dill adds amazing dill flavor
• Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks
• Easy to prepare ahead of time
• Great for meal prep
• Perfect for camping or road trips
• Ready with simple ingredients

Ingredients

Gluten-free pasta. Rotini or fusilli work best because the twists hold onto every bit of the creamy dressing. Cook just until al dente so the pasta stays firm after chilling. My favorite pasta to use in this recipe is Jovial fusilli brown rice pasta. Not all gluten-free pasta holds up well in pasta salad, so I highly recommend using this brand (not sponsored).

Dill pickles. Refrigerated dill pickles provide the freshest flavor and the best crunch. My favorite store-bought dill pickles stay crunchy and provide the best texture combined with the tender pasta.

Dill pickle juice. Don’t throw away the pickle juice! It’s the key ingredient that gives the dressing its signature tangy flavor.

Vegan mayonnaise. Creates a rich, creamy base while keeping this recipe completely dairy-free. I like Follow Your Heart Vegenaise.

Dairy-Free plain yogurt. Plain dairy-free yogurt lightens the dressing and adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the mayonnaise. You can also use a dairy-free sour cream instead.

Fresh dill. Fresh dill gives this pasta salad an incredible garden-fresh dill flavor.

Red onion. Adds flavor and beautiful color contrast.

Celery. Celery provides extra crunch.

Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard enhances the tanginess of the dressing without overpowering the pickle flavor.

Lemon juice. Brightens the dressing. Use pure lemon juice not from concentrate for the best flavor.

Why The Gluten-Free Pasta You Use Matters

The type of gluten-free pasta you choose can make a big difference in the final texture of this pasta salad. Since gluten-free pasta tends to absorb more moisture than traditional wheat pasta, some brands can become soft or mushy after being mixed with dressing and chilled, or alternatively they can be hard and flavorless- especially if not mixed with enough dressing.

For this recipe, I highly recommend Jovial Brown Rice Pasta. It’s my favorite because it holds its shape beautifully (if not overcooked), has a great texture, and doesn’t fall apart after refrigeration. It also absorbs just enough of the creamy dill pickle dressing without becoming dry or gummy, making it ideal for pasta salads that are made ahead of time.

Products Used In This Recipe

How to Make Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Step 1

Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions until just al dente.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well and cool completely.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free sour cream, dill pickle juice, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4

Add the celery, red onion, chopped dill pickles, and cooled pasta.

Step 5

Add the fresh dill and gently toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Add more salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Step 6

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving so the flavors can develop.

Step 7

Before serving, stir well. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing, if it seems a bit dry, mix in a splash of additional pickle juice or a spoonful of vegan mayonnaise to restore the creamy texture.

Garnish with extra dill, sliced pickles, cracked black pepper, if desired.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

💡 Because gluten-free pasta naturally absorbs moisture, stir in an extra splash of pickle juice or a little vegan mayonnaise before serving leftovers to refresh the creamy dressing.

Tips for the Best Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

• Don’t overcook the pasta.
• Use crunchy refrigerated dill pickles for maximum crunch.
• Fresh dill makes a huge difference.
• Chill before serving for the best flavor.
• Add extra pickle juice just before serving if needed.
• Taste and adjust the salt after chilling.

What to Serve with Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad pairs perfectly with:

• Veggie burgers
• BBQ jackfruit sandwiches
• Veggie BBQ Jackfruit Kabobs
• Grilled vegetables
• Crispy tofu
• Vegan hot dogs
• Pulled mushroom sandwiches
• Fresh watermelon
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Plant-based chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight!

What are the best pickles to use?

Garlic dill pickles or refrigerated kosher dill pickles provide the best flavor and crunch. The crunchier the pickles, the better! I like Hengstenberg or Grillos. I have made this pasta salad using both and they both work deliciously.

What’s is the best gluten-free pasta to use?

My favorite gluten-free pasta is Jovial Foods. I almost always use this brand in any pasta recipe I make. For this particular recipe, I used Jovial Brown Rice Fusilli Pasta.

Can I substitute dried dill for fresh dill?

Yes. Use about one tablespoon of dried dill in place of the fresh dill, but I do suggest fresh dill.

Why is my pasta salad dry the next day?

Gluten-free pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Simply stir in more pickle juice or vegan mayonnaise before serving if needed.

Let me know how you like this Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad down below in the comments section, as well as giving it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so that others can discover a fun and delicious pickle flavored side dish! Tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make it!

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