Cucumber Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Side Dish
This Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing summer side dish made with tender bow-tie pasta, crisp cucumbers, onions, dill, and a sweet tangy homemade dressing. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, and tastes even better after chilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 ounces bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1½ teaspoons dried dill
For the Dressing:
¾ cup white vinegar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the bow-tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente, about 12 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water until completely cooled.
4. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large salad bowl.
5. Add the sliced cucumber, sliced onion, and dried dill.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, water, vegetable oil, mustard, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
7. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture.
8. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
10. Stir well before serving and garnish with fresh dill if desired.
Notes
Chilling the salad allows the pasta to absorb the dressing for better flavor.
Fresh dill can replace dried dill for a brighter taste.
Many cooks reduce the sugar by half for a lighter dressing.
Add cherry tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, celery, or grilled chicken for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.