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Creamy Dill Pasta Salad with Cucumber & Red Onion

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A creamy, tangy pasta salad with fresh dill, crunchy cucumber, and sharp red onion. This accidental recipe has become a staple for gatherings and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
  • 1 cup (240ml) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) white wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of short pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch cubes). Thinly slice the red onion into half-rings. If desired, soak onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain. Finely chop the fresh dill and parsley. Set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Dill Dressing: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Pour the creamy dill dressing over the top. Use a rubber spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Chill and Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour is even better). This allows the flavors to meld together.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the pasta to prevent gummy dressing. Cool pasta completely before adding dressing to avoid thinning. Pat cucumber dry to prevent watery salad. Salad tastes even better the next day. For dairy-free, use plain dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy dill pasta salad, cucumber pasta salad, red onion pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer pasta salad, potluck pasta salad

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/creamy-dill-pasta-salad-with-cucumber-and-red-onion/