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Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for warm weather or as a side for any meal. Featuring crunchy English cucumber, tender pasta, and a creamy dill dressing made with sour cream and mayonnaise, this salad balances freshness with a tangy, mildly sweet flavor. It's easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for potlucks, picnics, or a quick nutritious lunch.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 English cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 sweet white onion, finely diced

Pasta

  • 8 ounces medium pasta (such as penne or rotini)

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

  1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, slice the English cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons as preferred. Finely dice the sweet white onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, chopped fresh dill, and vinegar. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well mixed. Season with black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the cucumbers and onions. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.
  6. Serve: After chilling, give the salad a final stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve cold as a side dish or light main course.

Notes

  • Use medium pasta shapes that hold dressing well, like penne or rotini.
  • For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
  • Fresh dill is key to the distinctive flavor—dried dill can be used but use about 1 teaspoon instead of 2 tablespoons.
  • Chilling the salad for at least one hour improves flavor and texture.
  • This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://suerecipe.com/healthy-cucumber-pasta-salad-recipe/