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Fresh Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad Recipe Without Heavy Cream Easy and Delicious

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A refreshing and creamy cucumber pasta salad made without heavy cream, using Greek yogurt for a light yet indulgent texture. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (about 225 grams) small pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or penne
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes halved, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. While the pasta cooks, peel and dice 2 medium cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Remove seeds if cucumbers are very seedy to avoid excess water.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 minced garlic clove (optional). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill to the dressing and stir to combine.
  6. Add the cooled pasta and diced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently with a wooden spoon or spatula to coat evenly.
  7. If using, fold in optional cherry tomatoes or crumbled feta cheese.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  9. Before serving, stir the salad again and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a silkier mouthfeel. Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop cooking and cool it down. Remove cucumber seeds to prevent watery salad. Mix dressing separately before combining. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Add a splash of cold water or lemon juice if dressing is too thick. Variations include adding proteins like chicken or tofu, swapping herbs, or using seasonal vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Greek yogurt salad, summer salad, light pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad, dairy-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/fresh-creamy-cucumber-pasta-salad-recipe-without-heavy-cream-easy-and-delicious/