Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad (Print View)

Cool pasta, crisp cucumber, and creamy dill dressing create a light and refreshing side perfect for warm weather.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad Base

01 - 1 English cucumber
02 - 8 ounces (225 grams) medium pasta, such as penne or rotini
03 - 1/2 sweet white onion

→ Dressing

04 - 1/2 cup (120 millilitres) sour cream
05 - 1/2 cup (120 millilitres) mayonnaise
06 - 1 teaspoon (5 grams) sugar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
08 - 2 tablespoons (about 6 grams) fresh dill, chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons (30 millilitres) vinegar
10 - Black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, chopped dill, vinegar, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to develop.
02 - Thinly slice the sweet white onion and submerge the slices in a bowl of cold water. Let them soak briefly to mellow the flavor, then drain thoroughly.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
04 - Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds. Slice into thin half-moons for maximum freshness and crunch.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, soaked onion slices, and sliced cucumber. Add the prepared dressing and toss until all components are evenly coated. Allow the salad to rest for at least 40 minutes before serving for optimal flavor infusion.

# Notes:

01 - Soaking onions in cold water removes harsh bite, leaving a milder, more palatable flavor.