Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This healthy cucumber pasta salad is a refreshing and creamy dish perfect for warm days or as a light meal. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tender pasta, and a tangy, dill-infused dressing makes it both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 white onion, finely minced
- 1 English cucumber, diced into ¼-inch pieces
- Black pepper, to taste (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for best texture)
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the dressing by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until fully combined, then set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Step 2: Thinly slice the onion and place the slices in a bowl of cold water to mellow the sharpness. Drain before using.
- Step 3: Cook the penne pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Step 4: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Slice the cucumber into thin pieces for added crunch and freshness.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained onion slices, and cucumber slices. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add halved cherry tomatoes or chopped fresh parsley to the salad.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing option.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle works well in this salad. Just be sure to cook it al dente and rinse with cold water afterward.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and ensure your vinegar does not contain any animal products. Fresh dill and cucumber will keep the salad flavorful.
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Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch. Featuring al dente penne pasta, crisp cucumber, and mellowed onions, all tossed in a creamy dill dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and fresh herbs. The cool, tangy flavors and crunchy textures come together for a satisfying, easy-to-make salad.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 white onion, finely minced
- 1 English cucumber, diced into ¼-inch pieces
For the Dressing
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, vinegar, chopped fresh dill, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the half white onion and place the slices in a bowl of cold water. This technique helps mellow the sharpness of the onion, making the flavor milder and more pleasant in the salad.
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. 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 pieces to add freshness and crunch to the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, onion slices drained from the water, and cucumber slices. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is well coated. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Soaking the onions in cold water reduces sharpness and balances flavors in the salad.
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, creamier dressing texture.
- Cucumber seeds are removed to prevent excess wateriness in the salad.
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- This salad is best served chilled and can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy cucumber pasta salad, dill pasta salad, creamy cucumber salad, quick pasta salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad
