Best Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad (Quick & Creamy!)

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As a home cook who has spent over a decade developing reliable recipes, I can tell you this Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad is my absolute go-to for summer gatherings; featuring crisp cucumbers and a creamy dill dressing, it’s a perfectly chilled, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

A close-up overhead shot of a white bowl filled with creamy fresh cucumber pasta salad, with thinly sliced cucumbers and fresh dill arranged on top. — This creamy and refreshing Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad is the perfect side for any summer BBQ or potluck!

This simple, refreshing salad is about to become your new summer staple. It’s the dish I bring to every single cookout here in Virginia, and it’s always the first bowl to be empty. It’s light, it’s crunchy, it’s creamy—it’s everything you want on a hot day. The secret is in the super simple dressing that comes together in minutes.

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Key Takeaways

Ready in a Flash: From start to finish, you can have this salad on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute plans.
A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love this salad. It’s a safe, delicious bet for potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners.
Simple, Everyday Ingredients: No fancy shopping trips needed! You probably have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge right now.
So Easy to Customize: Feel free to get creative! If you love this recipe, you should also try my Pistachio Summer Pasta Salad for another fun twist.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad

The Ultimate Refreshing Crunch: The combination of cool, crisp English cucumber against the soft, chewy pasta is just heavenly. It’s the texture contrast we all crave.
Creamy, Tangy, & Dreamy Dressing: The dressing is simple—just mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, a splash of vinegar, and fresh dill—but it coats every single noodle perfectly.
Make-Ahead Magic: This salad is actually better after it chills for an hour or two, giving the flavors time to mingle and marry. It’s a total game-changer for easy entertaining.
Light But Satisfying: It’s hearty enough to be a light lunch on its own but won’t weigh you down on a hot day. For extra protein, it’s fantastic with some Grilled California Avocado Chicken.
Hydration Hero: Here’s a little feel-good fact! Cucumbers are over 95% water, so this salad is a delicious way to stay hydrated and cool from the inside out.

A Salad That Tastes Like Summer

I still remember the first time I had a salad like this. I was at a neighborhood block party, one of those sweltering July afternoons where the air is thick and all you want is something cold and refreshing. My neighbor, Linda, brought out this giant bowl of creamy pasta salad dotted with green flecks of cucumber and dill. It seemed so simple, but one bite and I was hooked. It was the taste of pure, uncomplicated summer.

Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to get it just right—making the dressing a little creamier, the dill a little more pronounced. Now, it’s my signature dish to bring to gatherings. It’s the perfect companion to fun, handheld mains like my Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl full of happy summer memories.

Ingredients for Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad

The ingredients for cucumber pasta salad laid out on a white surface: uncooked rotini pasta, a sliced English cucumber, diced red onion, fresh dill, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt. — You only need a few simple, fresh ingredients to make this delicious pasta salad.

Ingredient	Notes / Substitutes
1 lb Short Pasta	Rotini, penne, or farfalle (bow-tie) work great. Use gluten-free pasta for a GF version.
1 large English Cucumber	No need to peel! You can also use 2-3 smaller Persian cucumbers.
1/2 Red Onion	Finely diced. If you find it too sharp, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes first.
1/2 cup Mayonnaise	For a vegan salad, use your favorite vegan mayo.
1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt	I love the tang it adds! Sour cream works too. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plain, unsweetened DF yogurt.
2 tbsp Fresh Dill	Finely chopped. You can use 2 tsp of dried dill, but fresh is so much better.
1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar	Apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice are great substitutes.
1 tsp Salt	Or more, to taste.
1/2 tsp Black Pepper	Freshly cracked, if possible. If you love zucchini, check out my Pecan Zucchini Bread for another way to use summer squash!

Equipment Needed

Large Pot (for cooking pasta)
Colander
Large Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to Make Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad Step-by-Step

Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted water according to package directions until al dente. You want it to have a slight bite.
Drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down, which is key for a great pasta salad. Set it aside to drain completely.
Whisk the dressing together while the pasta cooks. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy.
Prep your veggies. Dice the cucumber and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Add them directly into the bowl with the dressing.
Combine everything. Add the completely drained and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and veggies. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. For a different flavor profile, you could even add the fresh topping from my Grilled Chicken with Bruschetta recipe!
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This is a must! It allows the flavors to meld together. An hour is even better.
Serve cold. Give it one last stir before you put it on the table, and garnish with a little extra fresh dill if you’re feeling fancy.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Mushy pasta is the enemy of a good pasta salad. Cook it just to al dente so it holds its shape and texture.
Salt Your Cucumbers: Here’s my secret for the crunchiest cucumbers! After dicing them, toss them with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes. The salt draws out excess water, preventing a soggy salad. Just be sure to pat them dry before adding to the dressing.
Always Use Fresh Dill: I know it’s tempting to use dried, but fresh dill is a total game-changer in this recipe. Its bright, grassy flavor is what makes this salad sing.
Let It Rest: I can’t say this enough—letting the salad chill is so important. The flavors get so much better as they sit. If you have the time, make it a few hours ahead.
Make It a Meal: This is a fantastic side, but you can easily turn it into a main course. It would be amazing alongside my Blackstone Chicken Parmesan.

Easy and Creamy Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe

What to Serve With Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad

This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with almost any classic summer main dish:

Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork chops.
Hearty mains like my Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage skillet.
Simple sandwiches or wraps for an easy lunch.
Flavorful bites like my Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

Storing Tips

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a small dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and give it a good stir to liven it back up before serving again.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts
Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories	315
Total Fat 15g	19%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Cholesterol 15mg	5%
Sodium 410mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate 38g	14%
Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 8g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 45mg	3%
Iron 1.8mg	10%
Potassium 190mg	4%

(Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated using the USDA FoodData Central and may vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.)

FAQs About Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad

Is cucumber good in pasta salad?

Absolutely! Cucumber is fantastic in pasta salad. It adds a wonderfully cool, crisp texture and a fresh flavor that perfectly balances the creamy dressing and soft pasta.

How do you keep cucumbers from getting soggy in pasta salad?

The best trick is to draw out the excess water before mixing them in. Simply toss your diced cucumbers with a little salt and let them sit in a colander for about 20 minutes. This little step makes a huge difference in this fresh cucumber pasta salad.

Can I use cucumber instead of zucchini in pasta?

Yes, you can, especially in cold pasta dishes like this one. While zucchini is often served cooked, cucumber is perfect for adding a raw, fresh crunch. For a great cooked zucchini dish, you have to try my Easy Baked Zucchini.

What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?

You’ll want to avoid mixing in overly watery ingredients without draining them first, or ingredients with overpowering flavors that would clash with the delicate dill and cucumber.

Can dogs eat cucumbers?

Yes, in moderation, plain cucumbers are a safe and hydrating treat for most dogs. However, you shouldn’t feed them this pasta salad due to the onions, dairy, and seasonings. Always check with your vet first!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Fresh Cucumber Pasta Salad becomes a staple at your summer table. It’s one of those simple, honest recipes that always brings a smile to people’s faces. There’s nothing better than sharing good food with the people you love, right? If you’re looking for another amazing salad to try, don’t miss The Best Summer Peach Fruit Salad—it’s summer in a bowl!

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating below—I love hearing from you!

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