Cool Cucumber Pasta
A refreshing cold pasta salad featuring crisp cucumbers and tangy vinegar dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl and stir in vegetable oil, sliced cucumbers, and sliced onion.
- In a separate bowl, combine sugar, water, vinegar, prepared mustard, dried parsley flakes, salt, pepper, and garlic salt to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Cover and chill for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or mint. If you're out of cucumbers, zucchini can be a great substitute. For a tangier dressing, increase the vinegar slightly. Feel free to adjust the sugar to taste, especially if you prefer a less sweet dish. This pasta salad can also be made ahead of time for a quicker meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cool Cucumber Pasta as a refreshing side dish at your next picnic or barbecue. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, consider adding protein such as chickpeas or grilled shrimp. This dish also works well alongside a light salad like Heartwise Coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. For best results, enjoy it cold without reheating, as the texture of the pasta may change when warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Cucumber Pasta contains roughly 95 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% 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
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
To make this Cool Cucumber Pasta gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options made from rice or quinoa. Make sure all your other ingredients, especially the mustard and vinegar, are also gluten-free.
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).