Moonshine Pickle Pasta Salad

Moonshine Pickle Pasta Salad

A creamy, tangy pasta salad with a bold pickle twist.

The alcohol-free Sweet Home Moonshine Pickle Pasta Salad is a bold, tangy side dish that brings big flavor without the bite of alcohol. Inspired by classic pickle-forward recipes, this pasta salad balances creamy dressing, crisp pickles, and a hint of sweetness for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and casual gatherings. It’s familiar enough to feel comforting, but distinctive enough to stand out on the table.

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 Sweet Home 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

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), the pickle brine from the Moonshine Pickles, Dijon mustard, dried dill, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add the vegetables and pickles: Stir in the dill pickle relish (or chopped pickles), red onion, and celery into the dressing.
  4. 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.
  5. Add optional ingredients (if using): If you're adding cheese, parsley, hard-boiled eggs, or protein, stir them in gently.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Perfect Pairings

  • Grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs
  • BBQ ribs or pulled pork
  • Sandwich trays or sliders
  • Picnic spreads and potluck buffets
  • Summer cookouts and game day meals

This pasta salad pairs especially well with smoky or grilled dishes, offering a bright, tangy contrast.

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