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Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
hinamunawar

Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad

A cool and refreshing pasta salad made with tender pasta, crisp cucumbers, and a creamy herb dressing. Perfect for warm days, quick meals, or as a make-ahead side dish that stays light yet satisfying.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g pasta shells or small shapes like fusilli or macaroni
  • 2 cups cucumber thinly sliced (about 2 medium cucumbers)
  • 1/4 cup red onion very finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped
For The Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup plain yogurt thick and creamy
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar balances the tang

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely and ensure there’s no excess water.
  3. While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Slice the cucumbers thinly. If they are very watery, lightly pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent the salad from becoming watery later.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced cucumbers, chopped red onion, dill, and chives.
  6. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  9. Give it a gentle stir before serving and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.