Cool Cucumber Pasta Salad
A refreshing and light pasta salad with crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, scallions, and creamy mayonnaise, perfect for summer picnics and quick lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the pasta until tender, then rinse with cool water and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced tomato, diced cucumber, and diced scallions.
- Add light mayonnaise to the mixture and stir until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of light mayonnaise. Adding a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavors and give a refreshing twist. If you prefer a bit of crunch, toss in a handful of toasted nuts or seeds. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the dish further. For more flavor, try incorporating some prepped veggies from your Vegetable Soup (No Fat).
Serving Suggestions
This Cool Cucumber Pasta Salad is perfect for summer picnics or barbecues. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with Kathryn Sturtz's French Dressing for an added flavor boost. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with grilled vegetable skewers or a hearty bean salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta salad can become a bit soggy over time, so if you plan to keep it longer, consider storing the dressing separately and combining it just before serving. This will help maintain the pasta's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Cucumber Pasta Salad contains roughly 41 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1787mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and add the dressing right before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or gatherings.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
While any pasta works, short shapes like rotini or penne are ideal as they hold onto the dressing and other ingredients better. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be great alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are excellent additions that can turn this salad into a more filling meal. Just make sure to adjust the dressing quantity to balance the extra ingredients and keep the flavors harmonious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).