Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish perfect for warm days or casual gatherings. Combining crisp cucumbers, tender pasta, and a tangy dill dressing, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
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 and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 2: Thinly slice the white onion and place the slices in a bowl of cold water. This helps to mellow the onion’s sharpness while preparing it for the salad.
- Step 3: Cook the penne pasta al dente according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 4: Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds. Then cut the cucumber halves into thin slices to add a fresh crunch to the salad.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, soaked onion slices, and cucumber slices. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 6: Allow the salad to sit for at least 40 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and create a more cohesive dish.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Fresh dill is key—if unavailable, you can try fresh parsley, though the taste will differ.
- Soaking the onion in cold water for at least 10 minutes reduces its pungency significantly.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir and, if needed, add a splash of vinegar or a bit more sour cream to refresh the flavors. This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
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 make sure to cook it al dente and cool it properly.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, replace mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives such as vegan mayo and coconut or cashew-based sour cream. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor.
PrintHealthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing, creamy dish perfect for warm weather or as a light meal. Combining tender penne pasta with crisp cucumbers and a flavorful, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, and vinegar, this salad offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare, served cold, and ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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, to taste (freshly ground preferred)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s preferred)
- 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
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl – mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Set the dressing 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 helps mellow the sharpness and reduces pungency, making the onions milder and more pleasant in the salad.
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, immediately rinse the pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Slice the Cucumber: Cut the English cucumber in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds to avoid excess moisture in the salad. Then slice the cucumber into thin slices or dice as preferred.
- Assemble the Salad: In the large bowl with pasta, add the drained onion slices and cucumber pieces. Pour the prepared dressing over all the ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 40 minutes before serving to develop and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Soaking the sliced onions in cold water helps reduce their sharpness and bite.
- Removing cucumber seeds prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- Allowing the salad to rest chilled improves flavor integration and texture consistency.
- Use full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for best creamy texture and flavor.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time for convenience.
Keywords: Cucumber pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, cucumber recipes, easy pasta salad, vegetarian salad
