Cucumber pasta salad is a simple and flavorful dish that blends the crunch of cucumbers with the softness of pasta. This salad often includes vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, tossed in a creamy dressing made with yogurt, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings or as a side dish to complement grilled meats.
Cucumber pasta salad is quick to prepare, with the cooking time for the pasta being the longest step. Once the pasta is cooked and cooled, the salad can be assembled in under 15 minutes. If you plan to make it ahead, the flavors will meld even better if you refrigerate it for 30 minutes or more. It’s a great dish to prepare in advance, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute events.
This cucumber pasta salad has become a go-to for quick gatherings, especially when I want something light but full of flavor. The refreshing crunch from the cucumber pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing, and the fresh parsley adds a nice burst of color. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and can be customized with any vegetables you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love It Cucumber Pasta Salad
- Refreshing and Light: Cucumber Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for hot summer days. The crisp cucumber balances the pasta, giving each bite a refreshing crunch. This makes it a light, hydrating option for meals or picnics.
- Easy to Make: This salad is simple and quick to prepare. With minimal ingredients like cucumbers, pasta, and your favorite dressing, you can whip it up in no time. It’s a hassle-free recipe that’s perfect for busy days.
- Versatile and Flavorful: The cucumber pasta salad offers endless flavor combinations. You can add herbs, veggies, or proteins to suit your taste. This salad is easy to customize and always delicious, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredient Notes for a Cucumber Pasta Salad
Here’s a quick look at the main ingredients for a refreshing cucumber pasta salad:
- Cooked pasta: Use any pasta you like, such as penne or rotini. The pasta forms the base of the salad and soaks up the dressing well.
- Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers bring a cool crunch and mild flavor, perfect for a light, summery salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: These juicy, sweet tomatoes add color and a burst of freshness to your salad.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp bite to balance the flavors and gives the salad a vibrant touch.
- Bell pepper: Use any color bell pepper for a crisp texture and a slightly sweet taste.
- Fresh parsley: Fresh herbs like parsley brighten up the dish and enhance the overall flavor.
- Greek yogurt: This thick and creamy yogurt is a healthier base for the dressing, providing tanginess and smooth texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy, rich element to the dressing, blending perfectly with the Greek yogurt.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds zesty brightness, making the salad refreshing and balanced.
- Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and smoothness to the dressing, enriching the flavor.
- Dijon mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and depth to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, these bring out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
- Garlic powder: A pinch of garlic powder adds savory depth and enhances the flavor profile of the salad.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When making cucumber pasta salad, remember to use fresh ingredients. Crisp cucumbers add a refreshing crunch. You can also choose different pasta shapes for variety. Opt for small or medium-sized pasta like rotini or penne, which hold the dressing better. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the dressing. A mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic works well, but you can add your favorite spices. Try some Dijon mustard or a splash of vinegar to give the salad an extra kick. The dressing should be light but flavorful.
For added texture, consider throwing in some crunchy vegetables. Cherry tomatoes, red onions, or bell peppers can make your cucumber pasta salad more colorful and interesting. You can also add a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more filling dish. Customize it to suit your taste.
Cucumber Pasta Salad Variation
There are many ways to customize your cucumber pasta salad. You can add ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or herbs like dill and parsley for extra flavor. To make it a bit heartier, try adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. For a creamy variation, use Greek yogurt or sour cream in the dressing. You can also add some nuts like almonds or pine nuts for crunch. The possibilities are endless, and you can adjust the recipe based on what ingredients you have or your personal preferences.
How to Serve Cucumber Pasta Salad
Cucumber pasta salad is best served chilled. It’s a perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, or as a light meal on a hot day. Pair it with grilled meats or a fresh fruit salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
For a more festive touch, serve cucumber pasta salad in individual bowls or small mason jars. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese for extra flavor. It adds a nice touch to any gathering or meal.
Storage Options
To store leftover cucumber pasta salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some of its crunch after a day, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it longer, consider leaving the dressing separate and mixing it just before serving.
FAQs About Cucumber Pasta Salad
Can I make cucumber pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare cucumber pasta salad ahead of time, and it even tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. Just be sure to add fresh herbs or garnishes right before serving to keep them crisp.
What vegetables go well in cucumber pasta salad?
In addition to cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers are great vegetables to add to the salad. These vegetables enhance the crunch and flavor, making the dish more colorful and satisfying.
Is cucumber pasta salad healthy?
Yes, cucumber pasta salad can be healthy, especially if you use whole-grain pasta and a light dressing. It’s full of fresh vegetables, providing vitamins and fiber for a balanced, nutritious dish.
How do I make the dressing for cucumber pasta salad?
To make a simple dressing for cucumber pasta salad, mix olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add garlic or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving spoons or tongs
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or rotini works well)
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it off. Set it aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, slice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. If you're using bell peppers or any other veggies, chop those as well.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and any other vegetables you are using. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.
