Gluten Free Holiday Recipes

Gluten Free High Protein Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

If you love dill pickles, this is the pasta salad you have been waiting for. This Gluten Free High Protein Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is loaded with chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, cheddar cheese cubes, and a creamy tangy dressing made with both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. The dill pickle juice goes right into the dressing for the most bold and briny flavor in every single bite.

Make it the night before and let it chill overnight for the best flavor of all.

a cream serving bowl of gluten free dill pickle pasta salad next to a black serving spoon and tan gingham kitchen towel

What makes this version stand apart is the pasta. I use high protein chickpea shell pasta which packs in significantly more protein per serving than regular gluten free pasta and holds up beautifully in pasta salads without getting mushy.

If you prefer a more traditional texture, gluten free brown rice shell pasta works just as well.

Either way this salad is creamy, crunchy, tangy, and one of the best make ahead side dishes you can bring to a summer cookout, potluck, or Fourth of July gathering.

If you're looking for more gluten free cold pasta salad recipes try my Gluten Free High Protein Deviled Egg Pasta Salad, my Gluten Free Lime Cilantro Pasta Salad, my Easy Gluten Free Bow Tie Pasta Salad or my Easy Gluten Free Macaroni Salad.

You can find all of my salad recipes here: Gluten Free Salad Recipes

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Why Chickpea Pasta Makes This High Protein

Not all gluten free pasta is created equal when it comes to protein. Regular gluten free pasta made from rice or corn has very little protein per serving. Chickpea pasta changes that significantly.

A serving of gluten free chickpea shell pasta has roughly twice the protein of regular gluten free pasta. It also has more fiber which helps you feel full longer. The flavor is mild and slightly nutty and it holds its shape beautifully in pasta salads without turning mushy overnight.

If you want a more traditional pasta salad texture and flavor, gluten free brown rice shell pasta works equally well in this recipe. The protein content will be lower but the salad will still be delicious.

Why Shell Pasta Works Best

Shell pasta is the best shape for this salad because the curved shell shape scoops up the creamy dressing inside each piece so you get a little pocket of flavor in every bite. The shells are also similar in size to the chopped pickle pieces and cubed cheddar which means you get pasta, pickle, cheddar and dressing in every single forkful.

Rotini and elbow macaroni are the next best options if you cannot find shell pasta in a gluten free or high protein version.

Cheddar Cubes vs Shredded Cheese

This recipe calls for cheddar cheese cut into small cubes rather than shredded and the difference matters. Shredded cheddar tends to clump together and dissolve into the dressing as the salad sits in the refrigerator. Cubed cheddar holds its shape, stays firm, and gives you a satisfying cheesy bite in every forkful even after the salad has been chilling overnight.

Cut your cheddar into small quarter inch cubes so they are easy to scoop up with the pasta on a fork.

Greek Yogurt vs Sour Cream

This recipe gives you the option of using either plain Greek yogurt or sour cream in the dressing and both work well. Here is how they compare.

Greek yogurt gives the dressing a slightly tangier flavor and adds a meaningful protein boost to each serving. It is a little lighter than sour cream and blends beautifully with the mayonnaise for a creamy finish.
Sour cream gives the dressing a richer and more traditional pasta salad flavor. It is slightly thicker than Greek yogurt and produces a creamier and more indulgent dressing.
I use Greek yogurt in this recipe to keep the protein content high but sour cream is a great option if you want a more classic flavor.

Make Ahead Instructions

This salad gets significantly better as it sits. The pasta absorbs the dressing, the pickle flavor deepens, and everything comes together in a way that a freshly made salad simply cannot replicate.

Make it the night before you plan to serve it and refrigerate it overnight. Give it a good stir before serving. If the dressing has been absorbed and the salad looks a little dry add a small spoonful of mayonnaise and a splash of pickle juice and stir to refresh it.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad is a natural companion to anything coming off the grill.

With burgers. The tangy pickle flavor pairs perfectly with a juicy burger and makes this the ideal cookout side dish.
With grilled chicken. Serve alongside grilled lemon garlic chicken thighs or air fryer chicken for a complete and satisfying summer meal.
At a potluck or cookout. This salad travels well and can be made completely ahead of time. It holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for the whole event.
For Fourth of July. A must make for your holiday spread. The make ahead nature makes it perfect for entertaining.
As a meal prep lunch. Portion into individual containers on Sunday and enjoy as a protein packed lunch all week long.

Storage

Store leftover dill pickle pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits so give it a good stir before serving each time. If it looks a little dry add a small spoonful of mayonnaise and a splash of dill pickle juice and stir to refresh the dressing. Do not freeze this salad as the pasta and dressing do not hold up well after thawing.

Top Tip

Do not skip the overnight chill. This pasta salad is good after 30 minutes in the refrigerator but it is absolutely incredible the next day. The pasta absorbs the dill pickle dressing, the flavors meld together, and the pickle flavor deepens into every bite. Make it the night before your cookout or gathering and thank yourself later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dill pickle pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes and I strongly recommend it. Make it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The pasta absorbs the dressing and the pickle flavor deepens significantly as it chills. Give it a good stir before serving and add a splash of pickle juice if it needs refreshing.

Can I use regular gluten free pasta instead of chickpea pasta?

Yes. Gluten free brown rice shell pasta works beautifully in this recipe. The texture and flavor of the salad will still be delicious. Keep in mind that the protein content will be lower since chickpea pasta has roughly twice the protein of regular gluten free pasta.

What type of pickles work best in this recipe?

Use dill pickles only. Sweet pickles and bread and butter pickles are too sweet for this salad and will change the flavor significantly. Baby dill pickles, kosher dill pickles, and homemade refrigerator dill pickles all work beautifully. Whatever dill pickle you love eating straight from the jar is the right one for this recipe.

How long does dill pickle pasta salad last in the refrigerator?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits so stir before each serving and add a small spoonful of mayonnaise and a splash of pickle juice if the salad needs refreshing.

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Gluten Free Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

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Author: Elaine VanVleck
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Gluten free chickpea shell pasta tossed with chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, cheddar cheese cubes, and a creamy tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and dill pickle juice. This high protein gluten free dill pickle pasta salad is a make ahead summer side dish perfect for cookouts, potlucks, and Fourth of July gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounce box High Protein Shell Pasta or 12 ounce Gluten Free Brown Rice Shell Pasta
1 cup Dill Pickles, chopped
1 cup Cheddar Cheese, cut into small cubes
½ Yellow Onion, finely diced
2 Tbsp Fresh Dill, minced
2 Tbsp Dill Pickle Juice
½ cup Mayonnaise
½ cup Full Fat Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
1 tsp Salt
½ tsp Garlic Powder
½ tsp Black Pepper

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Instructions

Cook the pasta per the instructions on the package. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Pour into a large mixing bowl.

Add the chopped pickles, cheddar cheese cubes, onion, dill, dill pickle juice, mayonnaise, yogurt, salt and pepper to the mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. I like this salad best the next day, so if you can make it the day before you want to serve it.

If you made this recipe please leave a star rating and comment below. It helps other readers find this recipe and means so much to me.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Salads
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

If you make this Gluten Free High Protein Dill Pickle Pasta Salad I would love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out or tag me on Instagram so I can see your bowl.

This is one of those summer pasta salads that earns a permanent spot in your cookout rotation so save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you always have it ready for your next potluck or Fourth of July gathering!

Ingredients

Instructions

Cook the pasta per the instructions on the package. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Pour into a large mixing bowl.

Add the chopped pickles, cheddar cheese cubes, onion, dill, dill pickle juice, mayonnaise, yogurt, salt and pepper to the mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. I like this salad best the next day, so if you can make it the day before you want to serve it.

Gluten Free High Protein Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

This High Protein Gluten Free Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is the pasta salad I bring to every summer gathering and it is always the first bowl to be scraped clean. Gluten free chickpea elbow pasta is tossed with chopped hard boiled eggs, finely diced red onion, and a creamy deviled egg inspired dressing made with both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for the richest and most satisfying pasta salad you will ever make.

The chickpea pasta adds a serious protein boost that makes this salad filling enough to serve as a light meal, not just a side dish.

a bowl of gluten free high protein deviled egg pasta salad next to a wooden spoon and a tan gingham kitchen towel

What makes this recipe so easy is the Instant Pot method for hard boiling the eggs. Five minutes on manual pressure and a quick ice bath gives you perfectly cooked eggs every single time with no guesswork.

Cook them the night before, refrigerate them, and the next day your pasta salad comes together in about 20 minutes.

It is one of the best gluten free make ahead salads for summer cookouts, potlucks, and Fourth of July gatherings, and it gets even better the longer it chills in the refrigerator.

If you are looking for more gluten free pasta salads try my Gluten Free Lime Cilantro Pasta Salad, my Easy Gluten Free Bow Tie Pasta Salad, my Easy Gluten Free Macaroni Salad or my Gluten Free Green Goddess Pasta Salad.

You can find all my salad recipes here: Gluten Free Salad Recipes

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Why Chickpea Pasta Makes This High Protein

Not all pasta is created equal when it comes to protein content. Regular gluten free pasta made from rice or corn has very little protein per serving. Chickpea pasta changes that significantly.

A serving of gluten free chickpea elbow pasta has roughly twice the protein of regular gluten free pasta. It also has more fiber, which helps you feel full longer. The flavor is mild and slightly nutty. It holds up well in pasta salads and does not get mushy after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.

If you cannot find chickpea pasta, gluten free brown rice elbow pasta works in this recipe too. The protein content will be lower but the flavor and texture of the salad will still be delicious.

Greek Yogurt and Mayo: Why You Need Both

Most deviled egg pasta salad recipes use one or the other. This recipe uses both and here is why.

Mayo gives the dressing that rich and creamy deviled egg flavor everyone loves. It is the base of every classic deviled egg filling and it is non negotiable for getting the right taste.
Greek yogurt lightens the dressing without sacrificing creaminess. It adds protein, a subtle tanginess that mimics the vinegar in traditional deviled eggs, and a texture that holds up beautifully after chilling overnight.
Using both together gives you the best of both worlds. Rich and creamy like a classic deviled egg filling but lighter and higher in protein than a full mayo dressing.

How to Hard Boil Eggs in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is my preferred method for hard boiling eggs because it gives you perfectly cooked eggs every single time with no guesswork.

Add one cup of water to your Instant Pot and place the metal rack in the bottom. Add your eggs directly on the rack. Cook on manual high pressure for five minutes. Let the steam release naturally. Transfer the eggs immediately to a bowl of cold water with ice and let them sit for five minutes. The shells practically slide right off.
I like to hard boil my eggs the night before and store them peeled in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pasta salad much faster the next day.

Variations and Add-Ins

This pasta salad is very easy to customize. Here are some great additions to try.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky and salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy deviled egg dressing. Cook and crumble four to six strips and fold in before serving.
Dill pickles or bread and butter pickles are a classic deviled egg addition. Dice them small and fold into the salad for a tangy crunch.
Celery adds a fresh crisp texture that works beautifully in this salad. Dice two or three stalks finely and add with the red onion.
Avocado adds a creamy and buttery element. Dice and fold in right before serving so it does not brown.
Green onions make a great garnish and add a mild onion flavor on top of each serving.
Hot sauce or cayenne pepper stirred into the dressing adds heat for anyone who likes a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

This high protein deviled egg pasta salad works in so many different ways.

As a potluck or cookout side dish. Make it the night before and transport it cold. It is always one of the first dishes to disappear.
As a light lunch. A serving of this salad is filling enough to stand on its own as a meal thanks to the chickpea pasta and hard boiled eggs.
As a meal prep salad. Make a full batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for easy grab and go lunches all week.
Alongside grilled chicken or burgers. The cool and creamy salad is a perfect contrast to anything hot off the grill.
For Fourth of July and summer holidays. This salad travels well, feeds a crowd, and fits perfectly into any summer spread.

Storage

Store leftover deviled egg pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits so give it a good stir before serving and add a small dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if the salad needs to be loosened up. Do not freeze this salad as the eggs and dressing do not hold up well after thawing.

Top Tip

Make this salad the night before you plan to serve it. The dressing soaks into the pasta and eggs as it chills overnight and the flavors come together in a way that a 30 minute chill simply cannot replicate. A pasta salad made the morning of a cookout is good. A pasta salad made the night before is so much better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this deviled egg pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, and I strongly recommend it. Make it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The dressing soaks into the pasta and the flavors develop beautifully as it chills. Give it a good stir before serving and add a small dollop of mayo or Greek yogurt if it needs loosening up.

Can I use regular gluten free pasta instead of chickpea pasta?

Yes. Gluten free brown rice elbow pasta works well in this recipe. The texture and flavor of the salad will still be delicious. Keep in mind that the protein content will be lower since chickpea pasta has roughly twice the protein of regular gluten free pasta.

Can I make this pasta salad without Greek yogurt?

You can substitute the Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise if you prefer. The dressing will be richer and slightly higher in fat but still delicious. Keep in mind that swapping the Greek yogurt for mayo will reduce the protein content of the finished salad.

How long does deviled egg pasta salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir before each serving and add a small amount of mayo or Greek yogurt to freshen up the dressing if needed.