1-First Step: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of medium shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch, preventing the macaroni from sticking together.

2-Second Step: Soak the Pasta Place the cooled pasta in a bowl and toss with ½ cup dill pickle juice. Let it soak for about 5 minutes to infuse the pasta with a subtle tangy flavor. Drain and set aside.

3-Third Step: Prepare the Mix-Ins Dice ¾ cup of dill pickles (preferably small baby spears for best crunch) and ⅔ cup of cheddar cheese. Mince 2 to 3 tablespoons of white onion (or red onion for more pungency) and chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill. Set these ingredients aside for combining.

4-Fourth Step: Make the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together ⅔ to ¾ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ to ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 3 to 4 tablespoons dill pickle juice, 1 tablespoon pickle relish (optional), 1 to 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional), ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional), plus salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Adjust the ingredients to your preference for tang, spice, and creaminess.

5-Fifth Step: Combine the Salad In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, diced pickles, cheddar cheese, minced onion, and chopped fresh dill. Pour the dressing over and gently toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to break the macaroni or cheese chunks.

6-Sixth Step: Chill and Marinate Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dill pickle macaroni salad for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This resting time allows flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a delicious and refreshing taste.

7-Final Step: Serve Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra fresh dill or pickle slices for a colorful, appetizing presentation. This salad pairs excellently with protein-rich dishes like steak or shrimp, creating a perfectly balanced meal.