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Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad

Fresh cucumber pasta salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and chopped dill in a creamy tangy dressing. Cooked rotini or penne is rinsed cold so it stays firm, then chilled for a refreshingly light summer side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 lb rotini or penne pasta For best texture, cook until just tender.
Cucumbers
  • 2 large cucumbers Dice for crisp bites.
Cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halve so they mix evenly.
Red onion
  • 0.5 cup red onion Finely diced for a mild bite.
Mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
Sour cream
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
Fresh dill
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill Chop and use fully for the flavor.
Lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Adds brightness to the creamy dressing.
Garlic
  • 1 clove garlic Minced for even distribution.
Salt and pepper
  • salt Add to taste.
  • pepper Add to taste.

Method
 

Cook and cool the pasta
  1. Cook rotini or penne pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water until cool to the touch.
Make the creamy dill dressing
  1. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
Assemble the salad
  1. Combine pasta, large cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the pasta and vegetables.
Chill and finish
  1. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and keep the cucumbers crisp.
  2. Toss again and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Pro tip: rinse the pasta with cold water right after draining so it doesn’t keep cooking and stays firm when mixed. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the cucumbers may soften slightly. Freezing is not recommended. If you want a lighter option, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt for similar tang with less fat.