Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad

Last summer my neighbor brought this pasta salad to our block party and I literally stood over the serving bowl picking out all the crunchy cucumber bits. She caught me mid reach and just laughed, said the secret was letting it chill long enough for those tiny shells to really drink up the creamy dressing.

Ive started making a double batch on Sunday because my teenagers keep raiding the fridge for midnight snacks. Something about that cool tangy creaminess mixed with the crisp cucumber just hits different when its hot out.

Ingredients

• Small shell pasta: Those little cups catch all the creamy dressing and seasoning pockets perfectly
• English cucumber: Fewer seeds and thinner skin means more crunch without any watery bitterness
• Fresh dill: Bright and grassy, dried herbs just cant match that summery pop
• Sour cream and mayonnaise: This duo creates the perfect tangy creamy base that coats every shell
• Everything bagel seasoning: The absolute star that makes this pasta salad unforgettable

Instructions

Get your pasta perfectly cooked:

Boil those tiny shells in salted water until theyre tender but still have a little bite, then rinse under cold water until completely cool to stop the cooking.

Whisk up the creamy dressing:

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and silky.

Bring it all together:

Toss the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and fresh dill until everything gets friendly.

Add the magic:

Sprinkle in that everything bagel seasoning and fold gently until every shell gets some love.

Let it chill:

Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to really get to know each other.

Save

My aunt asked for the recipe after Thanksgiving dinner last year and I had to admit it was the same pasta salad Id brought to every family gathering for three months straight. Now she makes it for her bridge club and theyre all obsessed.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I throw in diced red bell pepper for color or swap in Greek yogurt if Im feeling virtuous. The base is so forgiving that you can play around based on what's in your crisper drawer.

Serving Suggestions

This shines alongside anything hot off the grill but holds its own as a light lunch too. I've served it with everything from burgers to roasted chicken and it never disappoints.

Make Ahead Magic

The beauty of this salad is how well it travels and keeps. Make it the night before and you're basically a picnic hero.

• Keep the everything bagel seasoning on the side until serving if you're transporting it
• Stir in a splash of milk or extra sour cream before serving if it's been sitting overnight
• Bring a small container of extra seasoning for sprinkling on top right before serving

Save

Every time I make this now I think about my neighbor laughing over that serving bowl, and how the best recipes often start with someone catching you being absolutely unapologetic about loving good food.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this actually tastes better when made ahead. Chill for at least 30 minutes, though it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors develop nicely as it sits.

→ What can I substitute for the everything bagel seasoning?

You can make your own blend using equal parts poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. Alternatively, try everything bagel seasoning alternatives or simply use extra herbs and spices.

→ Is there a lighter version of the creamy dressing?

Absolutely. Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also use light mayonnaise or adjust the ratio of yogurt to mayonnaise.

→ What other vegetables work well in this salad?

Diced celery, radishes, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots all add great crunch and color. Feel free to customize based on what's in season or your family's preferences.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Small shapes work best like macaroni, rotini, bow ties, or penne. The tiny cup shape of shell pasta holds the dressing nicely, but any small pasta will work in this dish.

→ What proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or chickpeas make excellent additions. The creamy, tangy flavors complement both light proteins and heartier options beautifully.