Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad

The first time I brought this pasta salad to a neighborhood potluck, my friend Sarah actually tracked me down three days later for the recipe. She said her teenage son, who normally survives on chicken nuggets and skepticism, went back for thirds. Something about that everything bagel seasoning combined with the cool crunch of cucumber just makes people happy without them quite understanding why.

I discovered this combination during a particularly sweltering July when turning on the oven felt like a personal offense. My daughter had been asking me to buy those expensive tubs of gourmet pasta salad from the grocery store, so I decided to reverse engineer something similar in our own kitchen. Now it is become our go to for lazy Sunday lunches and sudden beach trips.

Ingredients

• Small shell pasta: Those little cups catch the dressing and seasoning in every bite
• English cucumber: Fewer seeds and thinner skin means no bitter surprises
• Fresh dill: Dried dill cannot compete with the bright aromatic punch of fresh
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess that balances the richness of mayonnaise
• Everything bagel seasoning: The secret weapon that makes people ask what is in this

Instructions

Cook the pasta shells:

Boil until tender but still with a slight bite then rinse immediately under cold water until the pasta feels cool to the touch

Whisk the creamy dressing:

Combine sour cream mayonnaise lemon juice Dijon garlic salt and pepper until completely smooth and no lumps remain

Combine everything:

Add the cooled pasta diced cucumber green onions and fresh dill to the dressing then fold gently until every shell is coated

Add the magic:

Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the salad and fold until distributed evenly throughout

Let it rest:

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can mingle and the pasta can absorb some of that tangy dressing

Save

Last summer my neighbor texted me at 9 PM saying she had unexpected guests and nothing to serve. I walked over with a container of this salad and she texted the next morning that her brother in law who never compliments food had literally licked his fork clean. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that become legends in your circle.

Making It Your Own

I have found that adding diced radishes or bell peppers gives it even more crunch and color without altering the flavor profile much. The key is keeping all the add ins roughly the same size as the pasta shells so every spoonful feels balanced and thoughtful.

Storage And Meal Prep

This pasta salad keeps beautifully for two days though I will warn you that the cucumbers release some moisture as it sits. The dressing actually thins out slightly which some people prefer. Just give it a quick stir before serving and it will look as fresh as when you made it.

Perfect Pairings

This salad has saved me countless times when I need to bring something to a cookout but do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. It works alongside literally anything from the grill and holds up perfectly in the sun without wilting or separating.

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete summer meal
• Pack it for picnics since it travels better than leafy green salads
• Double the recipe for crowds because it disappears faster than you expect

Save

There is something genuinely satisfying about a dish that looks impressive but comes together in under 30 minutes with almost zero cooking. This pasta salad has become my answer to every invitation and emergency meal request and I have a feeling it will become yours too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this dish actually improves after chilling for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Small shell pasta is ideal because the curved shape holds the creamy dressing well. You could also use elbows, rotini, or bow ties as substitutes.

→ How can I make this lighter?

Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also increase the vegetable ratio.

→ What can I add for extra crunch?

Diced celery, radishes, or bell peppers work wonderfully. You could also add toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for nutty crunch.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian. Just ensure your mayonnaise brand doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients.

→ Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh dill provides the best flavor, but you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried dill if fresh isn't available. Add it to the dressing so it rehydrates.