Healthy 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/healthy-cucumber-pasta-salad-recipe/
