Creamy Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad with Green Onions
This refreshing pasta salad combines tender shell pasta with crisp cucumbers, vibrant green onions, and a creamy dill dressing, delivering a delightful flavor experience with every bite. The creamy mixture of low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream provides a luscious texture, while fresh dill adds a fragrant herbaceous note that complements the crisp vegetables perfectly. For an extra crunch and a pop of color, feel free to toss in thinly sliced radishes. Perfect as a side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, this Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best enjoyed within a few hours to maintain the freshness of the cucumbers.
10-12 servings
Servings
175
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shell pasta
1 lb (Cooked according to package directions and drained)
Green onions
1 bunch (Chopped)
Cucumbers
2 cups (Diced, unpeeled (1-2 large cucumbers))
Low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup (N/A)
Low-fat sour cream
1 cup (N/A)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Fresh dill
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Or to taste)
Coarse black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Cook the shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain thoroughly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the chopped green onions and diced cucumbers. Gently fold the ingredients together until well mixed.
3
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the low-fat mayonnaise, low-fat sour cream, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and coarse black pepper. Adjust the quantities of mayonnaise and sour cream to suit your taste preference, adding more if you desire a creamier texture.
4
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold for optimal taste.
6
Note: Be mindful that if left in the fridge for an extended period, the cucumbers may release water, affecting the texture of the salad. It's best consumed within 2 hours of preparation.
Nutrition Information
5.8g
Fat
25.8g
Carbs
2.9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of shell pasta.
What are the ingredients in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made of low-fat mayonnaise, low-fat sour cream, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and coarse black pepper.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10-12 servings.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
You can make it ahead, but it is best enjoyed within 2 hours of preparation to prevent the cucumbers from making the salad watery.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
Use 2 cups of diced, unpeeled cucumbers, which is typically 1-2 large cucumbers.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Creamy Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad is vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 5.8g of fat.
How much protein is in this salad?
There are 2.9g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 25.8g of carbohydrates.
What extra ingredient can I add for more crunch?
You can add thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and then drain it thoroughly.
How do I adjust the creaminess of the dressing?
You can adjust the quantities of mayonnaise and sour cream to suit your taste preference, adding more if you desire a creamier texture.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe uses one bunch of chopped green onions.
How much fresh dill is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill.
Should the salad be served cold or at room temperature?
This salad is best served cold for optimal taste.
What is the recommended cooking level for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Is there lemon juice in the recipe?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream?
Yes, though the recipe suggests low-fat versions for nutrition, you can use full-fat versions if preferred.
What type of pepper is best?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of coarse black pepper.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
Is the cucumber peeled?
The recipe suggests leaving the cucumbers unpeeled for extra texture and color.
What occasions are best for this dish?
It is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What happens if the salad sits in the fridge too long?
The cucumbers may release water, which can affect the overall texture of the salad.
Can I substitute the shell pasta?
While shell pasta is recommended, other short pasta shapes like rotini or macaroni would also work.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no added sugar listed.
Is there fiber in this salad?
The nutritional data does not specify the fiber amount, but the cucumbers and pasta will contribute some fiber.
What are the main flavor profiles of this salad?
The salad is refreshing and herbaceous, featuring crisp cucumbers and fragrant dill in a creamy base.