Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing side dish that combines tender pasta, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy, creamy dressing.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 168kcal
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumbers thinly sliced (about 10” long)
- 2 thin slices red onion quartered
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 ounces dried penne pasta
- 1/2 cup plain full fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and place them in a colander. Salt them well. Leave them to sit for 20 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This will take off most of the excess salt.
- Slice the onions thinly, then quarter them. Put them in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, and oregano. After 10 minutes, move the onions to this marinade for another 20 minutes.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (less 1-2 minutes for al dente). Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the cucumbers, cooled pasta, onions and some of the marinade. You can add more if the salad seems dry.
- Toss everything together well. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper. Serve garnished with a little extra dill.
Video
Notes
- Choose English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for this salad. They have fewer seeds and thinner skins, providing a better texture and flavor without the need for peeling.
- For the best flavor, chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the creamy dressing to meld with the pasta and cucumbers, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
- For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt in the dressing instead of mayonnaise or sour cream. Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories and provides a nice tang that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
Nutrition
Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 318IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg