Healthy Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and healthy pasta salad featuring crunchy cucumber, sweet onions mellowed in cold water, and a creamy dill dressing. This dish combines al dente pasta with a tangy dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, and fresh dill, making it perfect as a light lunch or a side for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces medium pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 sweet white onion
Dressing
- 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, chopped dill, vinegar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the half sweet white onion and place the slices in a bowl of cold water. This step helps mellow the onion’s sharpness, making it milder and more pleasant in the salad. Drain before using.
- Cook and Cool the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, rinse the pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain well and set aside.
- Slice the Cucumber: Cut the English cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully remove the seeds from both halves. Then, slice the cucumber into thin slices to add freshness and crunch to the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, sliced onions (drained), and cucumber slices. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 40 minutes before serving to enhance and blend the flavors.
Notes
- Soaking onions in cold water reduces their pungency and creates a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Removing cucumber seeds prevents excess moisture from making the salad watery.
- Letting the salad chill before serving improves the texture and flavor integration.
- Use al dente pasta to maintain a firm texture that won’t become mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Keywords: healthy pasta salad, cucumber pasta salad, creamy dill dressing, easy summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad
Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/healthy-pasta-salad-recipe/
