The Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing and light dish that balances the cool crunch of cucumbers with the tang of a Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for warm weather or as a make-ahead meal prep option, it combines tender whole wheat rotini with a creamy, herbed dressing that feels indulgent but is still health-conscious.
This dish works beautifully as a side for grilled proteins or can stand alone as a vegetarian lunch. The combination of textures—al dente pasta, fresh cucumber, and the silkiness of the yogurt—makes every bite satisfying. You’ll love how fast it comes together and how customizable it is. Add cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, or feta if you’d like to switch it up!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 oz whole wheat rotini pasta
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1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
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Add the sliced cucumber and red onion to the bowl. Toss gently to coat.
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Add the cooled pasta and stir until everything is evenly mixed and coated with dressing.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a dish that celebrates simplicity, freshness, and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for warm weather, this salad brings together the cool crunch of cucumbers and the smooth tang of Greek yogurt, balanced with aromatic herbs like dill and a splash of lemon juice. It’s one of those recipes that not only delights the palate but also supports a balanced, nourishing lifestyle.
This recipe stands out as a go-to for those looking for quick meal prep options, something light yet satisfying for lunch, or a refreshing side dish at summer picnics and gatherings. It’s vegetarian-friendly, can be easily made gluten-free, and offers a vibrant, cooling contrast to heavier main dishes. With its combination of creamy texture and refreshing flavors, it appeals to both adults and kids alike.
Why Cucumber Pasta Salad is Perfect for Summer
Cucumbers are inherently hydrating, containing over 95% water, making them an ideal ingredient for hot days when hydration and light meals are crucial. When paired with a tangy yogurt-based dressing, the result is a cooling, creamy salad that’s neither heavy nor overly rich.
During the summer months, cold salads offer a welcome break from oven-heavy cooking. This dish comes together quickly, and because it’s served cold, it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen in the refrigerator. It’s also incredibly portable—great for beach picnics, BBQs, outdoor lunches, and backyard potlucks.
Health Benefits of This Dish
One of the biggest appeals of this cucumber pasta salad is its nutritional profile. Greek yogurt provides a source of protein, probiotics, and calcium, which support gut health and bone strength. Cucumbers are low in calories but rich in vitamins K and C, as well as antioxidants that contribute to hydration and detoxification.
Choosing whole wheat pasta adds fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can improve digestion and sustain energy levels longer than refined pasta. The use of olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, and fresh dill offers not just flavor, but also antimicrobial properties and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients create a nutrient-rich, balanced meal.
Customizing the Salad to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how adaptable it is. The base of pasta, cucumbers, and creamy dressing can be personalized in countless ways:
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Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, tuna, boiled eggs, or chickpeas for a more filling version.
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Add Crunch: Thinly sliced radishes, celery, or even toasted sunflower seeds can provide added texture.
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Make it Vegan: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like coconut or almond yogurt.
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Spice it Up: A dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños can give it a kick.
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Boost the Color: Add cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, or shredded carrots for a more colorful and vibrant salad.
The ability to adapt this dish to your dietary needs or flavor preferences means you’ll never tire of it—and can adjust it based on what’s in your fridge.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals
Meal prep lovers will appreciate how well this salad holds up in the fridge. In fact, it often tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, allowing the cucumber to slightly pickle and the dressing to infuse every bite. Stored in an airtight container, it can last 3–4 days in the refrigerator without losing its freshness or texture.
It’s an excellent grab-and-go lunch, and it’s also great for packing into lunchboxes or taking along to work or school. The flavors remain bold and delicious even when served cold, making it ideal for anyone without access to a microwave during lunch hours.
Great for Entertaining and Potlucks
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad is the type of dish that people ask for the recipe after just one bite. It has visual appeal—thanks to the contrast of creamy dressing and crisp, green cucumbers—and complements a wide variety of main courses. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, and even other vegetarian dishes like lentil patties or falafel.
Because it’s easy to scale up, it’s great for large gatherings and potlucks. Double or triple the batch, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly. Plus, since it’s served cold, you won’t need to worry about reheating or timing it perfectly with other hot dishes.
Tips for the Best Results
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Use seedless cucumbers or scoop out the seeds to avoid excess water in the salad, which can dilute the dressing over time.
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Slice cucumbers and onions thinly for a more elegant texture that blends well with the pasta.
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Chill before serving: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
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Season well: Salt is crucial here—not just for taste, but to draw out the cucumber’s natural moisture and balance the tangy yogurt.
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Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds its texture and doesn’t become mushy as it sits.
Kid-Friendly and Budget-Friendly
This dish is surprisingly kid-friendly, thanks to its familiar pasta base and creamy dressing. Even picky eaters often enjoy the mild flavors and fun textures. You can dice the cucumbers smaller or use fun-shaped pasta to make it more appealing for little ones.
From a budget perspective, this salad uses ingredients that are easy to find and often already in your kitchen. Greek yogurt, cucumbers, and pasta are pantry and fridge staples for many households, making it an economical choice for meal planning.
A Global Twist on a Classic Dish
While pasta salads have long been a staple in American kitchens, this version borrows influence from Mediterranean cuisine through its use of Greek yogurt, lemon, olive oil, and dill. The result is a refreshing departure from the typical mayo-laden versions, offering something lighter, tangier, and more vibrant.
This fusion of cultures adds a unique flair that can elevate even a simple weekday lunch. It’s a dish that reflects how easy it is to bring global flavors into your everyday meals without complicating the cooking process.
Conclusion
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad is more than just a simple side dish—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, quick preparation, and healthy eating. It delivers on both flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for everything from weekday lunches to festive outdoor gatherings.
Whether you’re someone who enjoys light and creamy dishes, follows a vegetarian lifestyle, or simply needs a quick meal solution, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s endlessly adaptable, easy to make ahead, and delicious every single time. If you haven’t yet added this salad to your rotation, now is the perfect time to give it a try. It might just become your new summer favorite.