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Creamy Dill Cucumber Pasta Salad

creamy dill cucumber pasta salad - featured image
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A light and refreshing pasta salad featuring creamy dill dressing, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for summer gatherings or quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces small pasta shapes (rotini, shells, or bow-tie)
  • 2 medium Persian or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 150 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (120 ml), full-fat or low-fat
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (120 ml), blended smooth (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon, 30 ml)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, slice 2 medium cucumbers thinly. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of salt on the slices and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry before adding to the salad.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup blended cottage cheese (if using), 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. Whisk until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber slices, and 1 cup crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep cucumbers crisp and feta intact.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and dressing thicken. Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

For best texture, do not overcook pasta and drain cucumbers well to avoid watery salad. Blend cottage cheese thoroughly for a silky dressing. Fresh dill is preferred over dried for best flavor. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to maintain cucumber crunch. Add a splash of water or olive oil if salad dries out after chilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy dill, cucumber salad, feta cheese, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-dill-cucumber-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-summer-side-dish/