Cucumber Pasta Salad (Printable)
Bright cucumber and pasta tossed in a lemony yogurt dressing with tomatoes, dill and optional feta.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 9 ounces short pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or penne
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
→ Dressing
06 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
07 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
10 - 1 garlic clove, minced
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Optional Add-Ins
13 - 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons capers
# How To Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
03 - Add sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped dill to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat.
04 - Fold the cooled pasta into the vegetable and dressing mixture. Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - If desired, fold in crumbled feta cheese and capers for added flavor.
06 - Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving, adjusting seasoning as needed.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Nothing beats the way this salad stays crisp and tangy hours later, the flavors only deepening in the fridge.
- It’s become my standby for quick lunches because it transforms humble fridge staples into something guests actually ask for by name.
02 -
- Pasta left too warm before mixing will soak up all the dressing and go gummy, so let it cool right down.
- A heavy hand with the onion taught me a little goes a long way – a quarter of a red onion is just the right amount.
03 -
- Always taste and season after chilling – the salad needs a final check before serving.
- If the dressing seems thick after chilling, add a splash of water or extra lemon juice to revive it.