Fresh Creamy Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad
A quick and refreshing summer side dish featuring rotini pasta, crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and a creamy dressing made from cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or light lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt, unsweetened
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: halved cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, or chopped green onions
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Let it drain thoroughly.
- While the pasta cooks, thinly slice 1 large English cucumber. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces (115g) softened cream cheese, ½ cup (120ml) plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1 small minced garlic clove. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooled pasta, sliced cucumber, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill to the dressing bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Fold in optional cherry tomatoes or green onions if using.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to maintain texture. Dry cucumbers well to avoid a watery salad. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. If dressing is too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of water or more lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: pasta salad, cucumber salad, creamy pasta salad, dill pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, picnic recipe, barbecue side dish