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Creamy Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad

creamy cucumber dill pasta salad - featured image
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A cool, creamy, and refreshing pasta salad featuring crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and a tangy Greek yogurt and mayo dressing—perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced and lightly salted
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely (about 10 minutes).
  2. While the pasta cooks, thinly slice 1 large English cucumber. Place slices in a colander or bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Gently pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 small minced garlic clove. Add salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy but light enough to coat the pasta without weighing it down.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, drained cucumber slices, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill, and 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion (optional) to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine all the flavors evenly. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  5. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the dill infuse the dressing. Give it a gentle stir before plating.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to stop cooking and keep salad refreshing. Lightly salt cucumber slices and pat dry to avoid sogginess. Fresh dill is recommended for best flavor. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Add a splash of olive oil or water if salad seems dry after chilling. Optional add-ins include cherry tomatoes, radishes, or fresh chives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For vegan, use dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cucumber salad, dill, creamy dressing, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, Greek yogurt dressing

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/creamy-cucumber-dill-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-refreshing-summer-side/