Cucumber Pasta Salad
A refreshing cucumber pasta salad with tangy tarragon vinegar, red onion, and pimento, perfect for summer gatherings or light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the angel hair pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix the pasta with chopped cucumber, chopped red onion, and pimento.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, tarragon vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free angel hair pasta. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can replace parsley for a different flavor profile. If you want to add protein, diced grilled chicken or chickpeas work well. Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less sugar based on your taste. For added crunch, include bell peppers or radishes.
Serving Suggestions
This Cucumber Pasta Salad makes a great side dish for barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood. Consider serving it alongside Mom's Oatmeal Bread for a hearty meal. You can also add feta cheese or olives for an extra flavor boost. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil and toss gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, enjoy it cold as a refreshing salad. Just be sure to stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Pasta Salad contains roughly 234 calories, with 11g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (97% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and potassium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1893mg per serving (82% 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 make sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. Toss everything together shortly before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for tarragon vinegar?
If you don't have tarragon vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as alternatives. While the flavor may be slightly different, these substitutions will still provide a nice acidity to the dish.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Cucumber Pasta Salad is suitable for vegan diets as it contains no animal products. Ensure that any additional ingredients like olives or cheese are also vegan-friendly if you choose to add them.
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).