Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad (Printable)

Tender shells, crisp cucumbers, and fresh dill tossed in creamy tangy dressing with everything bagel seasoning.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 oz small shell pasta
02 - 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 cups cucumber, diced (about 1 large English cucumber)
04 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Fresh Herbs

05 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped

→ Dressing

06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Seasoning

13 - 1 1/2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

# Directions:

01 - Boil shell pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
02 - Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and emulsified.
03 - Add cooled pasta, diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh dill to the dressing. Gently toss until all components are evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the salad and fold carefully to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Keeps refrigerated for up to 2 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The everything bagel seasoning is the secret twist nobody guesses but everyone immediately notices
  • It travels beautifully and actually tastes better after the flavors have time to mingle
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta thoroughly stops the cooking and prevents it from becoming gummy or sticking together
  • The salad needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to truly marry
03 -
  • Cut your cucumber slightly larger than you think necessary so they maintain their crunch
  • Wait to add the everything bagel seasoning just before serving if making this a day ahead
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