If you’re looking for a deliciously crisp and creamy dish that tastes like sunshine in a bowl, this Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to. It balances tender pasta with crunchy cucumber, tangy dressing, and a fragrant hit of fresh dill that brightens up the whole plate. The combination is light, satisfying, incredibly moreish, and so easy to whip up that you’ll want to make it for every picnic, barbecue, and weekday lunch. With its simple ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavors, you’ll be hooked from the very first forkful.

Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad comes together with just a handful of pantry and fresh items, each bringing its own special touch. Every ingredient counts: from creamy dressing to vibrant veggies, it’s all about balance, crunch, and classic summertime flavor.

English cucumber: Offers crunch, moisture, and a mild, refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Medium pasta (8 ounces, like penne or rotini): Choose shapes that hold sauce and add texture; pasta is the hearty backbone of the salad.
Sweet white onion (1/2): Adds subtle sweetness and a delicate bite, especially when soaked to mellow its sharpness.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Lends a creamy tang and lightness to the dressing, keeping it fresh and not heavy.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Makes the dressing smooth and velvety, binding all the ingredients together with comforting richness.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the tang of the vinegar and sour cream, adding a gentle, sweet note.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors in both the veggies and the dressing—don’t skip this little powerhouse!
Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds an unmistakable aromatic lift and beautiful pops of green throughout the salad.
Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Gives the dressing its bright, tangy zing that cuts through the creaminess.
Black pepper, to taste: A finishing touch of pepper adds subtle heat and depth—taste as you go to get it just right.

How to Make Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad

Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, fresh dill, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until the dressing is silky smooth and flecked with vibrant green dill throughout. This is the heart of your Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad—bright, rich, and packed with flavor. Set it aside so the ingredients can meld while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Tame the Onion Bite

Slice your sweet white onion as thinly as possible and submerge the rings in a bowl of cold water. This little trick chills out the onion’s raw edge, leaving all the flavor but none of the harshness. Let the slices soak while you continue with the next steps—you’ll be amazed at how much sweeter and gentler those onions become.

Step 3: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and immediately run cold water over it to stop the cooking and cool things down. You want the noodles pleasantly firm so they don’t turn mushy in the salad. Once drained, toss with a drizzle of olive oil if you like, and set aside while you get the vegetables ready.

Step 4: Prep the Cucumber

Take that gorgeous English cucumber, cut it in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. This step keeps your Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad crisp instead of watery. Slice the halves into thin half-moons—these little crescents will distribute crunch and freshness in every bite.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

In your biggest salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained onion slices, and sliced cucumbers. Pour the creamy dill dressing over the top and toss everything together until every piece is lavishly coated. For ultimate flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 40 minutes before serving. It allows the noodles to soak in all that herby dressing, making each bite even more irresistible.

How to Serve Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, top your bowl with extra sprigs of fresh dill or a few paper-thin cucumber ribbons. A final twist of black pepper or sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes everything pop—turning this Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad into a showstopper at any gathering.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with everything from juicy grilled chicken and fish, to burgers, veggie kebabs, or even as a light main for lunch. Its creamy-tangy flavor balances out spicy barbecue dishes and brings a cool, refreshing note to any plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop portions of Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad into small jars for the perfect picnic or meal prep option, or serve on a bed of leafy greens for extra color and crunch. Want to get fancy? Try tossing in halved cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of feta for extra punch and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, you can keep leftovers of your Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually gets even better as the ingredients meld, but keep in mind that the noodles and cucumbers will soften slightly as they sit.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing, since the creamy dressing and fresh cucumbers don’t hold up to thawing and can become watery. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh or after a short chill in the fridge—luckily, it’s easy enough to whip up a new batch anytime.

Reheating

Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t needed. If chilled for a while, just give it a good stir before serving. If it’s looking a touch dry, an extra spoonful of sour cream or a splash of vinegar can revive its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are favorites because they hold the dressing so well, feel free to swap in bow ties, shells, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your personal preference or dietary needs.

Is there a dairy-free version of Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad?

You can easily make a dairy-free variation by substituting your favorite plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise alternatives. The salad will still be just as creamy and flavorful, and you can even use coconut yogurt in a pinch for tanginess.

How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?

Be sure to remove the cucumber seeds before slicing, and pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel if they seem especially juicy. Also, make sure your cooked pasta is well-drained and cooled completely before mixing with the dressing.

Can I add extra vegetables or protein?

Definitely! Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a great canvas for creativity—try adding halved cherry tomatoes, diced red peppers, or peas. For protein, toss in chunks of grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas for an even heartier salad.

How far in advance can I make Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad?

This salad is best made the day you plan to serve it, though you can mix it up to 24 hours ahead. If prepping further in advance, keep the dressing and veggies separate and combine everything just before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful dish that wins rave reviews every time, you can’t go wrong with Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad. I always find myself coming back for second helpings, and I can’t wait for you to experience all the fresh, creamy-crunchy goodness for yourself. Go ahead and make it—your taste buds (and guests!) will thank you.