Name: Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound rotini pasta; 1 English cucumber (seeded & sliced into half moons); 1/2 red onion (diced); 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons dill (chopped); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that’s equally perfect for a quick lunch, potluck, or summer BBQ, look no further than Cucumber Pasta Salad. This light and creamy salad is everything you crave in a warm-weather recipe, bursting with crisp cucumbers, tangy Greek yogurt dressing, and aromatic dill. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and crowd-pleasing in every bite.

Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cucumber Pasta Salad truly shine is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in adding just the right crunch, tang, or creaminess, coming together for the ultimate bowl of refreshment. Gather these key items for the freshest results!

Rotini Pasta: Twisty rotini is perfect for holding plenty of dressing and veggie bits in every bite.
English Cucumber: Seeded and sliced into half moons, it gives the salad a cool, crisp texture that’s truly refreshing.
Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and a subtle, zesty bite without overpowering the dish.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Makes the dressing creamy without being heavy, adding a tangy, protein-packed twist.
White Wine Vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity and brightens the overall flavor.
Lemon Juice: Gives everything a citrusy zing that ties all the flavors together.
Fresh Dill: Chopped dill infuses the salad with a fresh herbaceous note that sings summer in every bite.
Garlic Powder: Easy and mellow, it adds savory depth to the creamy dressing.

How to Make Cucumber Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil, then drop in your rotini pasta. Cook it according to package instructions until perfectly al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is ready, drain it thoroughly and rinse under cool water — this stops the cooking and ensures your Cucumber Pasta Salad stays crisp and refreshing.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and garlic powder. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, dreamy dressing. The balance of tangy and herbal notes will make you want to dip a cucumber right in for a taste! Adjust salt and pepper to taste if you wish.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl, then add the sliced cucumber and diced red onion. Pour your Greek yogurt-based dressing over the top, and toss everything together until each piece of pasta and every veggie slice is generously coated. The moment when the dill-speckled dressing hugs all those ingredients… pure magic!

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Although you can dig in right away, letting the Cucumber Pasta Salad chill in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes gives the flavors time to truly meld together. The pasta absorbs all those delicious notes and the veggies stay crisp. Serve it cold and watch it disappear at any gathering!

How to Serve Cucumber Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Brighten up your Cucumber Pasta Salad with extra sprigs of fresh dill, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of crumbled feta or some sliced cherry tomatoes can add pops of color and flavor without overpowering the salad’s lightness.

Side Dishes

Pairing options are plentiful! This salad loves sharing the plate with anything off the grill — from juicy chicken skewers to grilled salmon or veggie burgers. It also works well alongside a simple sandwich or a platter of fresh fruit for a breezy picnic lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Cucumber Pasta Salad is stunning in a large, clear bowl where all those pretty colors can shine. For parties, scoop portions into individual mason jars or mini cups to create a grab-and-go treat. Feeling bold? Serve it inside hollowed-out cucumber boats for an extra cucumber kick and a super fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cucumber Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld over time, and it just keeps getting tastier! If the pasta soaks up too much dressing, simply stir in another spoonful of yogurt or a dash of lemon juice before serving.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze Cucumber Pasta Salad. The creamy yogurt dressing tends to separate after thawing, and the cucumbers lose their signature crunch. For best results, enjoy this salad fresh or make it a day ahead to keep texture and flavor at their peak.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dish — Cucumber Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge a while, just give it a quick stir and let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can bloom again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is fantastic for catching all the creamy dressing, other short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle work beautifully. Just be sure to cook whatever you choose until al dente.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you need a dairy-free or lighter option, try plain almond or coconut yogurt instead. Alternatively, a combination of light mayo and a splash of buttermilk will make a tangy, creamy dressing.

Is Cucumber Pasta Salad gluten-free?

It can be! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your vinegar and yogurt are gluten-free. The flavors stay just as fresh and delicious.

Can I add other vegetables?

You sure can! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even baby spinach are wonderful mix-ins for more color and crunch. Personalize it however you like to suit your tastes or whatever’s in season.

How far in advance can I make it?

Cucumber Pasta Salad can be made the night before serving. Some folks love it even more the next day as the flavors have a chance to deepen, but for the best texture, don’t add the cucumbers until a few hours before serving.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says summer like a big, beautiful bowl of Cucumber Pasta Salad. It’s bright, creamy, and so blissfully simple that you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try with your own twist and share it with your favorite people — I promise it’ll be an instant classic at your table!

Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing Cucumber Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of rotini pasta, English cucumber, red onion, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing with hints of dill and garlic powder.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

1/2 pound rotini pasta

Salad:

1 English cucumber (seeded & sliced into half moons)
1/2 red onion (diced)

Dressing:

1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons dill (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cool water.
Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, dill, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cucumber, and red onion. Toss with the dressing.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to an hour to meld the flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American