Rotini Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and tangy pasta salad featuring rotini, crisp cucumbers, and sweet onions, coated in a honey mustard vinaigrette—perfect for summer gatherings and light lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rotini according to the package directions.
- Drain and rinse the rotini in cold water.
- Drain well and place in a large bowl.
- Add the sliced cucumber and sweet onion to the bowl.
- Combine honey, water, cider vinegar, prepared mustard, dried parsley flakes, salt, and garlic powder in a blender or jar with a tight-fitting lid; mix well.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra crunch. For a lighter version, substitute agave nectar for honey. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the cider vinegar slightly. This salad is also great with added protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing rotini cucumber salad as a side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light lunch on its own. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside baked onion potatoes for a delightful combination.
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. Avoid freezing as the texture of the cucumbers may become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rotini Cucumber Salad contains roughly 250 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 777mg per serving (34% 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 use gluten-free pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! Gluten-free rotini works well in this recipe, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy it. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions for the best texture.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this rotini cucumber salad vegan, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it easy to adapt.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors enhance as it sits, but be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
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).