Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I remember one summer afternoon when I first made my creamy cucumber pasta salad. My kitchen was buzzing with the smell of fresh cucumbers, and my little niece was twirling around the dining room, impatient to taste. It was simple, yet something magical happened: my family sat together, laughing, sharing stories, and passing the salad around. From that day, creamy cucumber pasta salad has been a staple in my home. Whether for a picnic, a potluck, or just a cozy lunch at home, it’s always a dish that brings everyone together.
This creamy cucumber pasta salad is light, refreshing, and just tangy enough to make you go back for seconds. The star ingredients crisp cucumbers, tender pasta, and a creamy dressing combine in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t just fill your stomach; it warms your heart. Today, I’ll share every detail, little kitchen secret, and step to make this salad a shining star on your table.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I adore this recipe because it’s effortless yet full of love. Life is busy, and sometimes we don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, but this salad comes together in no time. The creamy dressing hugs every piece of pasta, the cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, and the herbs bring everything to life. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the smiles, the compliments, and the memories you create around the table.
It’s also versatile. Sometimes I add cherry tomatoes, sometimes red onion, and occasionally a sprinkle of feta. Each variation still feels familiar, comforting, and homemade which is exactly why I keep coming back to it.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 250g fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g mayonnaise
- 100g Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- For extra creaminess, I always let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes the flavours mingle beautifully.
- Thinly slice the cucumber and lightly salt it, then drain the excess water to prevent your salad from becoming watery.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy lift and lower fat content.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the pasta: I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Then I drain it and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
- Prepare the cucumber: While the pasta cooks, I slice the cucumber thinly, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let it rest on a paper towel to draw out excess moisture.
- Mix the dressing: In a bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This is the heart of the salad creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: I fold in the cooled pasta, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. I gently toss everything with the dressing until each piece is coated.
- Add herbs: Finally, I sprinkle chopped dill or parsley over the top for freshness and aroma.
How I Serve It at Home
I like serving this creamy cucumber pasta salad in a big glass bowl so everyone can help themselves. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a light soup. On warm days, I enjoy it as a main dish with a side of crusty bread.
I always add a little extra herb garnish right before serving it makes the salad feel special and shows you care. Family members often go back for seconds, and that’s when I know I’ve hit the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating needed.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the dressing a day before and chop the veggies ahead of time. Mix everything together right before serving for the freshest flavor.
100-Word Short Version
My creamy cucumber pasta salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. I combine al dente pasta, crisp cucumber slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Tossed together and garnished with fresh dill or parsley, this salad is creamy, flavorful, and comforting. I love making it for family gatherings or a quick lunch because it’s simple, fast, and full of love. Chill it for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor. This salad is a heartwarming way to bring people together around the table.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 250g fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g mayonnaise
- 100g Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; rinse with cold water.
- Slice cucumber thinly, salt lightly, drain excess water.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Fold pasta, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes into dressing.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and toss gently.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
📝 Notes
- Add feta cheese or red onion for variation.
- Chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18g 🥑
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g 🍞
- Fiber: 3g 🌿
- Protein: 7g 🍗
- Sugar: 5g 🍯
- Sodium: 220mg 🧂
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
My creamy cucumber pasta salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Crisp cucumbers, tender pasta, and a tangy creamy dressing make this salad comforting and full of love. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a cozy lunch at home.
Ingredients
- 250g fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g mayonnaise
- 100g Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; rinse with cold water.
- Slice cucumber thinly, salt lightly, drain excess water.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Fold pasta, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes into dressing.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and toss gently.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add feta cheese or red onion for variation.
- Chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Conclusion
Every time I make this creamy cucumber pasta salad, I feel a wave of nostalgia. It reminds me of sunny afternoons in my kitchen, laughter around the table, and the simple joy of sharing food with the people I love. This salad isn’t fancy, but it’s full of heart, flavor, and warmth. Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe it’s about making memories, celebrating moments, and bringing people together. I hope this salad fills your home with as much love and joy as it does mine.