This Popular $2.75 ALDI Find Is Back for the Summer, and I’m Stocking Up

Every summer, a new grocery item makes its way into my cart “just to try,” and I quickly become smitten. Last year, ALDI’s pasta salad kits, specifically the dill pickle one, quietly became my go-to side for everything from casual backyard grilling to last-minute picnics.

So when I spotted the familiar green box at ALDI again this week, I was thrilled. At just $2.75 each, this little box of tangy, pickle-flavored pasta is my ultimate warm-weather shortcut.

If you missed them last summer, these pasta salad kits are ALDI’s brilliant solution for those of us who love homemade sides but don’t always have the time to make them from scratch. The dill pickle version, in particular, has stolen my heart with its tangy punch and herby goodness. It pairs with everything from grilled chicken and fish to steak and burgers.

Why I Love ALDI’s Reggano Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Kit

Like my favorite deli pickle turned into pasta salad, it’s punchy and briny in the best way. The mafalda-style noodles are ruffly, mini lasagna-like pasta with an utterly satisfying chew if cooked slightly al-dente. The seasoning packet delivers serious dill pickle flavor with notes of garlic and vinegar that taste remarkably fresh for something shelf-stable.

The prep process is easy, too—just boil pasta, whisk the seasoning packet with water and oil (or mayo for a creamier version), and toss everything together. 

Keeping a few boxes of this non-perishable side in the pantry for when I’m in a pinch is a no-brainer. On busy weeknights, I can have a side dish ready in under 15 minutes. For impromptu gatherings, I can prepare it while guests are arriving.

The 7-ounce box serves 2 to 3 adults (or two adults and two small kids) as a side, making it just right for my small family dinners. I’ve found that buying multiple boxes is the way to go when hosting.

How to Level Up ALDI’s Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Kit

I like it extra tangy, so while the box calls for 1/4 cup of oil, I typically only whisk in about two or three tablespoons, sometimes offsetting it a bit with a tablespoon of mayonnaise. I always add the pasta in while it’s still warm so it absorbs the flavor of the dressing.

Once it’s cooled, I’ll toss in chopped dill pickles because if we’re leaning in, let’s lean in. I’ve also added diced red onion, a handful of chopped salami, a generous handful of fresh dill and parsley, and several handfuls of arugula, so it leans more on the salad side of the pasta salad. When doing this, I will also use the full 1/4 cup of oil to make the dressing, though. If I’m turning it into a full meal, grilled chicken, steak, or a plain old can of drained and rinsed chickpeas do the trick.

These pasta salad kits are my secret to being the person who always has something delicious at the ready without spending hours in the kitchen. So, if you spot them in ALDI’s center aisle this season, do yourself a favor and grab a few. Your laid-back, easy-grilling summer self will thank you.

_{To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.}