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Creamy Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Fresh Herb Dressing

creamy cucumber dill pasta salad - featured image

A refreshing and creamy pasta salad featuring cucumbers, fresh dill, and a tangy herb dressing made with Greek yogurt and lemon. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta shells or rotini
  • 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried dill)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta shells or rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and rinse briefly under cold water to cool it down and stop cooking. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, wash and slice 1 large cucumber into thin rounds or dice it. Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion and 1/2 cup fresh dill. Halve 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 teaspoon honey if desired. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumbers, red onion, dill, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use small pasta shapes like shells or rotini for best dressing adherence. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Fresh dill is preferred over dried for best flavor. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal taste. Dressing can be made a day ahead and stored separately. Salad keeps well in fridge for up to 2 days but cucumbers may soften.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cucumber salad, dill, creamy dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, fresh herb dressing