Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad

The humidity was hanging thick in the kitchen last July when my neighbor Sarah dropped by with a bowl of this salad. She'd just returned from a family reunion and told me how her aunt stood guard over the pasta salad bowl, literally shooing people away with the serving spoon. I laughed until I tasted it and understood completely.

I made a triple batch for my sister's baby shower last spring, watching my mother-in-law circle the food table three times before finally asking for the recipe. Something about the cool crispness against the creamy dressing makes people instinctively reach for seconds.

Ingredients

• Small shell pasta: Those little curves catch the dressing in all the right places, and don't skip salting the water
• English cucumber: Fewer seeds and thinner skin mean more crunch and less watery mess in your bowl
• Fresh dill: Dried herbs simply won't capture that bright, grassy notes that make this salad sing
• Sour cream and mayonnaise: This combination creates the perfect tangy creaminess that coats every shell
• Everything bagel seasoning: The garlic and onion flavors here tie everything together beautifully

Instructions

Cook the pasta perfectly:

Boil those shells until they're tender but still have some bite, then rinse under cold water until they're completely cool to the touch

Whisk the creamy dressing:

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt and pepper until smooth

Combine everything:

Toss the cooled pasta with cucumber, green onions and fresh dill until well distributed

Add the finishing touch:

Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the top and fold gently until evenly mixed

Let it rest:

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can develop and the pasta absorbs the dressing

Save

My youngest nephew who usually turns his nose up at anything green actually asked if this could be his birthday lunch. Watching him scrape the bowl clean made me realize how sometimes the simplest dishes become the ones people remember most.

Making It Ahead

This salad is one of those rare dishes that benefits from sitting overnight in the refrigerator. The pasta soaks up the dressing and the flavors meld into something even more delicious than when it was first assembled.

Customization Ideas

I've found that diced celery adds wonderful crunch and bell peppers bring sweetness. Sometimes I toss in shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version that still feels light and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad pairs perfectly with anything hot off the grill. The cool, tangy flavors balance beautifully with charred meats or vegetables.

• Bring it to your next potluck and watch it disappear
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal
• Keep individual containers in the fridge for easy weekday lunches

Save

Hope this becomes your go-to recipe for all those warm weather gatherings where you need something refreshing but still satisfying. Every bite feels like summer.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the pasta absorbs the creamy dressing for a more cohesive dish. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2 days for best texture.

→ What other vegetables work well in this?

Diced celery, radishes, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes add wonderful crunch and color. For more freshness, try adding shredded carrots or thinly sliced red onion. Just keep total vegetable amounts similar to maintain the proper dressing-to-pasta ratio.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. Small shapes like rotini, bow ties, macaroni, or orzo work beautifully. The key is choosing pasta that catches the creamy dressing and seasonings. Larger shapes might make scooping and even distribution more challenging.

→ Is there a lighter dressing alternative?

Greek yogurt seamlessly replaces sour cream for a protein boost with fewer calories. You could also use light mayo or increase the lemon juice and reduce the creamier elements. The tangy flavors remain balanced while creating a lighter version.

→ What proteins pair nicely with this?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked salmon complement the fresh flavors beautifully. For vegetarians, chickpeas, white beans, or cubed halloumi add satisfying protein. Crumbled feta or goat cheese also make excellent additions for extra richness.