Cucumber pasta salad hits the spot every time. It’s a cool, crunchy, creamy pasta salad that makes the perfect side dish when the weather starts heating up. This is a must make for your next potluck, cookout, and more.

It’s BBQ season and my favorite part is all of the tasty side dishes. I like to load my plate up with corn, baked beans and of course, pasta salads.

This cucumber pasta salad is a side that pairs perfectly with everything from burgers to chicken, and ribs. The fresh cool, creamy side dish adds great balance to the savory meat.

If you want more pasta salads, be sure to try this ditalini pasta salad and Greek tortellini pasta salad.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Crunchy, cool, refreshing – Creamy dressing, crunchy cucumbers, this pasta salad is such a great light, fresh side dish.
• Easy to customize – Make it your own by adding it other vegetables, protein, even cheese.
• Perfect for potlucks – This travels well and makes enough for a cookout, BBQ, and more.
• Fast and simple – Made with just a few ingredients in about 15 minutes, this really is an easy side dish.

Ingredients

• Pasta – I prefer using small pasta like small shells, macaroni, or small bowtie pasta. They hold onto the dressing well and the smaller shapes are easy to eat.
• Cucumber – I like using either English cucumber or mini cucumbers because they don’t have as many seeds.
• Red onions – Diced red onions add great flavor and color.
• Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the pasta salad dressing.
• Dill – Fresh dill gives this dressing amazing bright, herby flavor.
• Vinegar – White vinegar gives the dressing a hint of tang.
• Sugar – A hint of sugar adds balance.
• Garlic powder – The perfect addition to the creamy dressing.
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste.

Variations

• Cucumber and tomato pasta salad – Add color and flavor with halved cherry or grape tomatoes.
• Add some protein – Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled bacon to make it more of a full meal.
• Cucumber ranch pasta salad – Use ranch seasonings in place of the dill and vinegar.
• Italian cucumber pasta salad – Substitute the creamy dressing with Italian dressing. Toss in some diced pepperoni, salami, and mozzarella cheese.

Make cucumber pasta salad

Step one: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.

Step two: Place the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Whisk until combined.

Step three: Place the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and fresh dill in the bowl with the pasta salad dressing. Toss everything to fully combine.

Step four: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Serve this pasta salad with cucumber cold.

Heather’s recipe tips and frequently asked questions

• Dice the cucumbers small. Make sure to dice the cucumbers into small pieces. This helps make it easier to eat.
• Cook the pasta to al dente. You will want to boil the pasta to just al dente. That way it holds the dressing better without getting too soggy.
• Drain the pasta well.
• Chill in the refrigerator before serving. I like to chill the pasta salad to let the flavors come together.
• Store in the refrigerator. Keep any leftover in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This does not freeze well.
• Make ahead. I think this cucumber pasta salad gets better the longer it sits. You can make it the night before serving.

More potluck recipes

• Broccoli salad with raisins
• Pea salad
• Seven layer salad
• Grape salad
• Broccoli slaw with ramen noodles