Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad – Crisp, Refreshing & Easy Summer Side
Cool off with this Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad! Crisp cucumbers, tender pasta, and a light, zesty dressing make this salad the perfect refreshing side dish for summer picnics, BBQs, or weeknight dinners. Easy to make, colorful, and full of fresh flavors that everyone will love.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
Salad:
- 8 oz (225 g) short pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 2 English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra dill or parsley
- Additional feta cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice cucumbers and chop optional vegetables (cherry tomatoes, red onion).
- Make Dressing: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency with more yogurt or lemon juice if desired.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cucumbers, and optional vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with extra dill, feta, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Pasta: Use short pasta shapes for better dressing coverage. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
- Cucumbers: Peel or deseed if desired to reduce excess moisture.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare up to a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
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Variations:
- Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives and extra feta.
- Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil, rice vinegar, and scallions.
- Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or red chili peppers.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.