Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for warm days or as a side at gatherings. It blends crunchy cucumber and tender pasta with a creamy, tangy dressing that’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 ounces medium pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1/2 sweet white onion
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the dressing by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, chopped dill, vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until fully combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Step 2: Thinly slice the sweet white onion and place the slices in a bowl of cold water. This will help mellow the onion’s sharpness.
- Step 3: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Step 4: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice the cucumber thinly to provide crunch and freshness.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, drained onion slices, and cucumber slices. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated. Let the salad rest for at least 40 minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the salad.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing.
- If you prefer a sharper bite, skip soaking the onions in water.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be substituted for dill.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed to refresh flavors. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not reheat well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any medium pasta shape like fusilli, farfalle, or shells work well in this salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives to keep the salad creamy and delicious.
PrintHealthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and healthy cucumber pasta salad combining crisp cucumber slices and al dente pasta with a creamy dill dressing, perfect as a light side dish or lunch option. The salad features a flavorful blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, and fresh dill, balanced by sweet onion and a touch of sugar and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 8 ounces medium pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1/2 sweet white onion
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, fresh dill, vinegar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and fully combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the sweet white onion and place the slices into a bowl of cold water. This step mellows the sharpness of the onion, making it milder and more palatable in the salad.
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop further cooking and cool the pasta. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Slice the Cucumber: Cut the cucumber lengthwise in half. Use a spoon to scoop out and remove the seeds from each half. Then slice the cucumber halves into thin pieces to add freshness and crunch to the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained onion slices, and sliced cucumber. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss well until everything is coated evenly. Let the salad rest for at least 40 minutes in the refrigerator before serving to enhance the flavors and allow them to blend beautifully.
Notes
- Soaking the onion slices in cold water reduces their sharpness and bitterness, resulting in a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Removing the cucumber seeds prevents excess moisture in the salad, keeping it crisp.
- The salad tastes best after resting for at least 40 minutes to allow the dressing to season the ingredients fully.
Keywords: cucumber pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, creamy cucumber salad, dill pasta salad, light lunch salad
