Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing, creamy dish perfect for warm days or light meals. Featuring tender pasta, crisp cucumber, and mellow onions tossed in a tangy, dill-infused dressing, this salad balances flavors and textures beautifully. It’s easy to prepare, served chilled, and makes a great side dish or a light lunch option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces medium pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 sweet white onion
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, chopped fresh dill, vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the sweet white onion and place the slices in a bowl of cold water. This process mellows the sharpness of the onion. Let them soak while you continue with the next steps.
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain well and set aside.
- Slice the Cucumber: Cut the English cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds from each half. Then slice the cucumber into thin slices for freshness and crunch in the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained onion slices, and cucumber slices. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 40 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and create a cohesive dish. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Soaking onions in cold water reduces their pungency, making them milder and more pleasant in salads.
- Removing cucumber seeds helps prevent excess moisture, keeping the salad crisp and not soggy.
- This salad can be customized by adding other fresh herbs or veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.
Keywords: cucumber pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, cucumber salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, lunch salad, vegetarian salad
