Dessert

Crunchy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe

ByHarper Ellington April 19, 2026April 19, 2026

Introduction

Crunchy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy side dish perfect for warm days and casual gatherings. Combining crisp cucumbers with tender pasta and a tangy dill dressing, it’s a light yet satisfying salad that everyone will enjoy.

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. Set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, thinly slice the red onion and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness. Drain well.
Step 3: Prepare the cucumber by halving it lengthwise, deseeding with a spoon, and slicing it into thin half-moons or rounds.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, dill, white vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Add the cooled pasta, sliced cucumber, and drained red onion to the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts just before serving.
Swap rotini for any short pasta like elbow macaroni or penne if preferred.
Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter dressing.
Add chopped fresh parsley or chives alongside the dill for more herbaceous flavor.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving again. It’s best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well due to the creamy dressing.