Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad -

As the temperatures rise and the days stretch longer, the appeal of light and refreshing meals becomes undeniable. Enter the creamy cucumber pasta salad—a dish that perfectly embodies the essence of summer. This delightful recipe combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with the comforting embrace of creamy pasta, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this pasta salad not only looks enticing but also offers a nutritious balance that can satisfy both the health-conscious and those seeking comfort food.

Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad

Dive into summer with this refreshing creamy cucumber pasta salad! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and casual family dinners, this dish features crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a luscious yogurt-mayo dressing. It's not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile—add protein for a filling main dish or serve it as a vibrant side. Enjoy the delightful crunch and creamy goodness that makes every bite a taste of sunshine.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta

1 medium cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, finely minced

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

- In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil.

- Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.

- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside.

Prepare the Vegetables:

- While the pasta is cooling, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Dice the cucumber into small, manageable pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely mince the red onion.

- Transfer all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl, ready for combination.

Make the Dressing:

- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.

- Add in the chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic.

- Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring an even blend. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.

Combine Ingredients:

- Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl containing the diced vegetables.

- Pour the creamy dressing over the top of the pasta and vegetables.

- Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is well-coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.

Add Feta (Optional):

- If you choose to use feta cheese, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top of the salad.

- Give it a light toss to incorporate the cheese without crumbling it too much.

Chill:

- Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator.

- Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes, which lets the flavors meld and the salad to become even more refreshing.

Serve:

- Before serving, give the salad a thorough stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy your delightful and creamy cucumber pasta salad!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings