Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad – A Cool, Comforting Bowl of Summer Love

Name: Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced; ¾ cup Greek yogurt; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

INAYA 5 hours ago

0 0 5 minutes read

Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad – A Cool, Comforting Bowl of Summer Love

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.

I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is. Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

When the weather starts to warm up here in Crete, I crave recipes that feel cool, creamy, and comforting, without keeping me over the stove for too long. That is exactly why I make this Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad every summer. I remember my grandmother slicing cucumbers early in the morning, before the heat arrived, letting them rest with a little salt so they stayed crisp and refreshing.

This Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad brings me straight back to those quiet mornings. I love how the cucumbers stay crunchy, how the pasta holds onto the creamy dressing, and how every bite feels light but satisfying. I make this Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad for family lunches, beach picnics, and even late-night dinners when no one wants anything heavy. It’s one of those dishes that disappears quickly, with everyone asking for the recipe before the bowl is empty.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love making this recipe because it feels effortless but thoughtful. I don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. I only need fresh cucumbers, good pasta, and a creamy dressing that tastes like comfort.

This salad makes people happy. Children love it because it’s mild and creamy. Adults love it because it feels fresh and balanced. I also love how flexible it is. I can keep it simple, or I can dress it up with herbs, feta, or a little garlic when I feel playful.

Most of all, I love that this Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad reminds me that simple food, made with care, always brings people together.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

I always start with English cucumbers or firm garden cucumbers. Soft cucumbers release too much water and can make the salad watery. I peel them lightly, leaving a little green for color, and slice them thin so they mix gently with the pasta.

For the pasta, I use short shapes like rotini or fusilli. The twists hold onto the creamy dressing beautifully. I cook the pasta until just tender, never mushy. I rinse it briefly with cold water so it cools fast and stays separate.

My creamy dressing uses Greek yogurt and mayonnaise together. This gives richness without heaviness. Greek yogurt adds tang and protein, while mayonnaise gives that comforting, familiar creaminess. A little lemon juice wakes everything up, and fresh dill makes it taste like summer in Greece.

My secret is letting the salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors settle, the cucumbers stay crisp, and the dressing becomes silky and smooth.

How I Make It, Step by Step

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I cook the pasta until al dente, stirring gently so it doesn’t stick. I drain it well and rinse quickly with cold water. I let it sit in the colander until completely cool.

While the pasta cools, I prepare the cucumbers. I slice them thin and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt. I let them rest for 10 minutes, then gently pat them dry with a towel. This keeps the salad from becoming watery.

In a large bowl, I whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I taste and adjust until it feels balanced and comforting.

I add the cooled pasta to the bowl and fold gently. Then I add the cucumbers and fresh dill. I mix everything slowly so the pasta stays intact and the cucumbers remain crisp.

I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad. Before serving, I give it one last gentle stir and add a little extra dill on top.

How I Serve It at Home

I serve this Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad chilled, usually in a big ceramic bowl in the center of the table. I pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or simple bread and olives.

On hot days, this salad becomes the meal. I add a slice of watermelon or tomatoes on the side, and suddenly the table feels full and joyful. I love watching people go back for seconds, scraping the bowl with their spoons.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

I store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day.

If the salad thickens, I stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk to loosen it. I never freeze this salad because the cucumbers lose their texture.

I often make it the night before gatherings. It saves time and tastes even better the next day.

100-Word Short Version

This Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad is light, refreshing, and full of comfort. I mix tender pasta with crisp cucumbers and a creamy yogurt-based dressing that tastes cool and satisfying. Fresh dill and lemon bring everything together. This salad is perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or easy family dinners. I love how simple it is to make and how quickly it disappears from the table. It’s a recipe that feels like home, especially on warm days when you crave something creamy but fresh.

🥗 Recipe Card

⏱️ Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta
2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
¾ cup Greek yogurt
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and cool.
Lightly salt cucumber slices and pat dry.
Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings.
Fold pasta into dressing gently.
Add cucumbers and dill, mixing softly.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

📝 Notes

Add feta cheese or sliced red onion for variation. Adjust seasoning after chilling.

🍽️ Nutrition

Creamy, refreshing, balanced, family-friendly 🥒🍝

Conclusion

Every time I make this Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad, I feel calm and happy. It reminds me that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be special. With a few fresh ingredients and a little love, I can create something that brings people together. I hope this recipe finds a place in your kitchen and becomes part of your summer memories, just like it has in mine.