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Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad

Light, crisp, and bursting with flavor, this Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad is your go-to dish when you want something refreshing yet satisfying. Made with crunchy cucumbers, tender pasta, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick weekday meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Picnic Favorite, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Healthy, Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rotini or bow-tie pasta cooled
  • 1 large English cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
  • 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and dill.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
  5. Sprinkle with crumbled feta (if using) before serving.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Notes

Use seedless cucumbers for less moisture and more crunch. This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. For extra protein, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas.