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Fresh Creamy Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad

fresh creamy cucumber dill pasta salad - featured image

A refreshing and creamy pasta salad featuring crisp cucumber, fresh dill, and a tangy dressing made with sour cream and Greek yogurt. Perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or easy weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. While the pasta cooks, peel and dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion and fresh dill. Mince the garlic if using.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Add the cooled pasta, cucumber, red onion, and dill to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly. If too thick, add a splash of cold water or extra lemon juice.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Overnight chilling is preferred.
  7. Before serving, stir gently and taste again. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with extra dill or fresh chives.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture holds better in salads. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and remove starch. Scoop out cucumber seeds to prevent sogginess. Dressing can be adjusted for tartness by adding more lemon juice or vinegar. Chilling enhances flavor blend. For dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and Greek yogurt with coconut cream or plant-based yogurt.

Nutrition

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