Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad

The steam was still rising off the pasta when I realized I'd forgotten the most important part of any summer dish—the crunch. There's something about that contrast between tender shells and crisp vegetables that makes a pasta salad sing, and this cucumber version hits every note perfectly.

Last summer I brought this to a potluck and watched three different people ask for the recipe before they even finished their first serving. The combination of cool cucumbers and that savory seasoning blend just works in ways you don't expect until you taste it.

Ingredients

• 225 g small shell pasta: The curves catch the dressing beautifully, and tiny shells feel special
• 1 tsp salt: Salting the pasta water is the difference between bland and vibrant flavors
• 2 cups cucumber, diced: English cucumbers stay crisp longer and don't need peeling
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Their mild onion flavor complements without overwhelming
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped: Fresh dill makes this sing, though dried works in a pinch
• 120 ml sour cream: Creates that creamy base that Greek yogurt can mimic but not replace
• 60 ml mayonnaise: Balances the tang with richness
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens everything and cuts through the cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds depth that you'll notice but won't be able to place
• 1 clove garlic, minced: One clove is perfect, any more and it starts competing with the dill
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adjust these last, after the everything bagel seasoning
• 1½ tbsp everything bagel seasoning: The secret ingredient that makes people ask what's in this

Instructions

Cook the pasta to perfect tenderness:

Boil those shells in salted water until they're just done, then rinse under cold water until they're completely cool to the touch.

Whisk together the creamy dressing base:

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper in your large bowl until the mixture is silky smooth.

Add all the fresh elements:

Gently fold in the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and chopped dill until everything is evenly coated.

Sprinkle in the magic seasoning:

That everything bagel blend gets folded in last, coating each bite with those tiny seeds and spices.

Taste, adjust, then chill:

Give it a final seasoning check, then let the flavors meld in the fridge for at least thirty minutes.

Pin It

My neighbor's daughter, who claims to hate anything with mayonnaise, ate three helpings at our block party. Sometimes the simplest combinations are the ones that surprise us the most.

Making It Your Own

I've added diced celery for extra crunch and bell peppers for color when the garden overflows. The formula stays the same—creamy, crisp, and heavily seasoned—but the vegetables can rotate with whatever looks fresh at the market.

The Make-Ahead Secret

This actually tastes better on day two, once those cucumbers have released some moisture and the dressing has permeated every shell. Make it the night before and you'll have the easiest party contribution imaginable.

Serving Suggestions

Pair alongside anything hot off the grill for that perfect temperature contrast. It's substantial enough to be a main dish for light lunches, especially when topped with grilled chicken or flaked smoked salmon.

• Extra everything bagel seasoning on top before serving looks beautiful and adds texture
• Keep the diced cucumber pieces smaller than the pasta shells for the best fork balance
• If taking to a potluck, bring a small serving spoon that won't crush the delicate shells

Pin It

There's something deeply satisfying about a dish that comes together in minutes but tastes like you've been working on it all day. This pasta salad has earned its permanent spot in my summer rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad actually benefits from chilling for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep or advance preparation for gatherings.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent lighter substitute for sour cream while maintaining creaminess and tang. You can also use plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost, or a combination of half sour cream and half yogurt for the best of both worlds.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely. Diced celery, radishes, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots would complement the flavors well. Just keep the total vegetable quantity similar to maintain the proper dressing-to-pasta ratio.

→ Is everything bagel seasoning necessary?

While it adds distinctive flavor, you can create a similar blend using equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. The seasoning provides a crucial savory element that ties all components together.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Small shell pasta is ideal because the curves hold the creamy dressing well. Other small shapes like rotini, fusilli, macaroni, or orecchiette would also work beautifully. Avoid larger shapes or long pasta which can be difficult to eat in salad form.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

You can substitute vegan sour cream and mayonnaise for the dairy versions. Ensure the everything bagel seasoning is certified vegan, as some brands may include honey or other animal-derived ingredients. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.