Are you ready to elevate your summer gatherings with a dish that's as refreshing as it is delicious? Look no further than this Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad! With its delightful blend of creamy textures and crisp cucumber bites, this recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even a quick weeknight dinner. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing salad that not only satisfies your taste buds but also keeps you feeling light and energized. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet scrumptious dish that will have them asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of your choice of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cucumber. Wash and dice 1 cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 tablespoon of chopped dill to the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced cucumber. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and cucumber mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta and cucumber are well coated with the creamy dressing. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If desired, you can add more dill for extra flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the creamy cucumber pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your creamy cucumber pasta salad!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold onto the dressing well, such as fusilli or penne, but feel free to use your favorite type!
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes after mixing. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. You can also incorporate protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use a combination of both for a unique twist.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh dill adds a wonderful flavor, but you can experiment with other herbs like parsley or chives for a different taste profile.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference!
- Presentation is Key: For a beautiful presentation, garnish your salad with additional fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad that will be the star of any meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
