Dessert

Crunchy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Crunchy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber (halved lengthwise, deseeded, and sliced); 1/2 medium red onion (thinly sliced and soaked); 0.5 lb rotini pasta (cooked al dente); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tsp sugar; 3/4 tsp salt; 3 tbsp fresh dill (finely minced); 2 1/2 tbsp white vinegar; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp lemon zest

ByHarper Ellington April 19, 2026April 19, 2026

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Introduction

This Crunchy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish perfect for warm days or as a vibrant side. Combining crisp cucumbers with tender rotini pasta and a tangy dill dressing, it’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will brighten any meal.

A wooden bowl filled with creamy pasta salad made of curly pasta coated in a white sauce mixed with thin green cucumber slices scattered throughout. Small sprigs of fresh green dill and a light sprinkle of black pepper crown the top, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a soft green cloth with a waffle pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, a white bowl contains more cucumber slices, and some fresh dill is visible near the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large cucumber (halved lengthwise, deseeded, and sliced)
0.5 lb rotini pasta (cooked al dente)
1/2 medium red onion (thinly sliced and soaked)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp fresh dill (finely minced)
2 1/2 tbsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness. Drain well.
Step 3: Prepare the cucumber by halving it lengthwise, removing the seeds, and slicing it thinly for a crisp texture.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and fresh dill until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Add the cooled pasta, cucumber slices, and soaked red onion to the dressing. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds just before serving.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Add halved cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers to introduce additional color and flavor.
If you prefer a vegan version, use dairy-free mayonnaise and yogurt alternatives.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled, but if needed, bring it to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing may separate.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl filled with creamy pasta salad, showing three main layers: at the bottom are short, wide pasta spirals in a pale yellow color, covered generously with a thick white creamy dressing; the middle layer has thin, round cucumber slices with a fresh light green color mixed among the pasta; the top layer is decorated with small, bright green dill sprigs scattered evenly over the dish, along with a light sprinkle of black pepper on top. In the background, there is a small white bowl with more cucumber slices, all placed on a white marbled surface, with a light green textured cloth beside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well in this salad. Just ensure it is cooked al dente and cooled before mixing.

How do I prevent the cucumbers from making the salad watery?

Removing the seeds and slicing the cucumber thinly helps reduce moisture. You can also lightly salt the sliced cucumber and let it drain in a colander for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.