Save This Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines tender tiny shell pasta with the crisp texture of English cucumbers. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with sour cream and Dijon mustard, it is finished with the aromatic touch of fresh dill and a savory sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. It is the ideal side for any summer gathering or picnic.
Save This salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The coolness of the diced cucumber paired with the richness of the dressing makes every bite satisfying yet light enough for warm weather.
Ingredients
- 225 g (8 oz) small shell pasta
- 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
- 2 cups cucumber, diced (about 1 large English cucumber)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream
- 60 ml (¼ cup) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1½ tbsp everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Step 2
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 3
- Add the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, green onions, and fresh dill to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 4
- Sprinkle in the everything bagel seasoning and fold until evenly distributed.
- Step 5
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Best served chilled; allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This ensures the pasta is fully infused with the garlic and dill.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. To add extra crunch, incorporate ½ cup of diced celery or crisp radishes into the mix.
Serviervorschläge
This pasta salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken or smoked salmon. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Save Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet lunch, this Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad is a reliable favorite that never fails to satisfy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, this salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days. You can prepare it several hours in advance, which actually allows flavors to meld together better. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
- → What pasta works best for this salad?
Small shell pasta is ideal because its curved shape captures the creamy dressing beautifully. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow pasta work well too. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which doesn't mix as evenly.
- → How can I make this lighter?
Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream with non-fat Greek yogurt and use light mayonnaise. You can also replace half the mayo with additional lemon juice for tanginess without excess fat.
- → What vegetables can I add for extra crunch?
Diced celery, radishes, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes all work wonderfully. Add these just before serving to maintain their crispness. Avoid watery vegetables like zucchini if preparing ahead.
- → What proteins pair well with this salad?
Grilled chicken breast, smoked salmon, hard-boiled eggs, or crispy bacon complement the flavors beautifully. These additions transform it into a complete main course suitable for lunch or light dinner.
- → Is this salad gluten-free?
Traditional versions aren't due to wheat pasta, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Always verify that your everything bagel seasoning blend doesn't contain any hidden gluten.