Description
Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and light summer side dish that combines al dente pasta, crisp cucumber, and sweet onion in a tangy dill dressing. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, and make-ahead lunches, this easy recipe brings together cool, crisp textures with a smooth, flavorful sauce that improves as it chills.
Ingredients
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1 English cucumber (about 300 g)
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8 oz (225 g) medium pasta such as penne or rotini
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1/2 sweet white onion (about 60 g)
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1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
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1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
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1 tsp (5 g) sugar
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1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt
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2 tbsp (6 g) fresh dill, chopped
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2 tbsp (30 ml) vinegar
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Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare dressing – In a bowl, whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, vinegar, dill, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
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Soften onion – Thinly slice the onion and soak in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain well.
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Cook pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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Prep cucumber – Slice cucumber lengthwise, remove seeds, and cut into thin half-moons.
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Assemble salad – In a large bowl, combine pasta, onion, and cucumber. Add dressing and toss to coat evenly.
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Chill before serving – Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Chill pasta fully before adding dressing to prevent it from absorbing too much sauce.
Add diced bell pepper or celery for extra crunch.
For a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
This salad tastes better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop & Chilled
- Cuisine: American