Description
A tangy and refreshing macaroni salad featuring dill pickles and a creamy no-mayo dressing made with Greek yogurt and pickle juice. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons pickle juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finely dice 1 cup dill pickles, 1/4 cup red onion, and 2 tablespoons fresh dill.
- Add the cooled macaroni, chopped pickles, onion, and dill to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the mix-ins are well distributed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour, to let the flavors meld and the salad firm up slightly.
- Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or pickle juice if desired.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta; rinse with cold water to cool and prevent clumping. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for creamier texture. Fresh dill is preferred over dried. Stir gently to avoid breaking pasta. Chill for best flavor. Add extra pickle juice if salad thickens after chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: macaroni salad, dill pickle, no mayo dressing, Greek yogurt, summer salad, easy pasta salad, tangy salad