Name: Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any pasta you like); 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved; 1 English cucumber, sliced; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Pin1

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta all coated in a light, tangy dressing. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and basil add bursts of bright flavor that elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. The creamy dressing balances the crunch of the veggies, creating a perfect harmony of textures. Ideal for summer parties, picnics, or as a simple weeknight meal, this salad is easy to make and versatile. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or use a different type of pasta to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, this vibrant salad is sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

8 ounces rotini pasta (or any pasta you like)
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

1 English cucumber, sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar

¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta, then let it cool for 3-5 minutes.
While the pasta cools, halve the tomatoes, slice the cucumber and onion, and chop the dill, parsley, and basil. Place all the veggies and herbs into a large bowl.
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake to combine.

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 189 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Perfectly Cool and Colorful Summer Dish

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cool, refreshing dishes, and there’s nothing quite like a vibrant, fresh pasta salad to satisfy your cravings. One such dish that has earned its place as a go-to for picnics, backyard barbecues, or simple family meals is the Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad. Bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs, all tossed in a light, creamy dressing, this salad is an easy yet delicious way to add a touch of brightness to your summer dining table.

The Origins of Pasta Salad

Pasta salad, in its many variations, has been a staple of summer meals for decades. Its origins trace back to early Mediterranean cuisine, where cold pasta dishes were commonly served with olive oil, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Over time, the dish evolved to include an array of ingredients, with dressings ranging from tangy vinaigrettes to rich, creamy sauces. In America, pasta salad became particularly popular in the mid-20th century as a convenient, make-ahead side dish for outdoor gatherings, and it continues to be a favorite at potlucks, family picnics, and even formal events.

What makes pasta salad so appealing is its versatility. It’s an excellent way to incorporate fresh, seasonal vegetables into a meal, and it can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a simple pasta salad with olive oil and lemon or a more indulgent version with creamy dressing, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to this classic dish.

**Why Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad Stands Out**

Among the countless pasta salad recipes, Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. The creamy dressing adds a rich texture without overpowering the crisp, vibrant vegetables, while the combination of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and basil brings a burst of flavor that complements the simplicity of the pasta.

This salad is also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish or a light main course, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a dish to bring to a potluck, or a refreshing option for your next backyard barbecue, Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad is a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Another reason this dish is so popular is that it’s easy to make ahead. The flavors actually improve after a few hours in the fridge, making it an ideal option for meal prep or when you need to prepare food in advance for a gathering. The creamy dressing seeps into the pasta and vegetables, allowing the herbs to release their aromas and blend beautifully with the other ingredients.

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

One of the key elements that sets this pasta salad apart is the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. In particular, the tomatoes and cucumbers play a starring role, bringing both vibrant color and refreshing flavor to the dish.

Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are a must for this recipe. While grape tomatoes are recommended, you can also use cherry tomatoes or even diced heirloom tomatoes if you want to add more variety in color and flavor. The sweetness of the tomatoes helps to balance the tanginess of the dressing, while their firm texture ensures that they hold up well in the salad.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers add a cooling crunch to the salad, making it even more refreshing, especially during the warmer months. English cucumbers are preferred for their mild flavor and low seed content, but you can also use regular cucumbers, sliced thinly to avoid too much water in the salad.

Herbs: Fresh herbs are crucial to this dish, providing a burst of flavor that enhances the creamy dressing. Dill, parsley, and basil are used in this recipe, each contributing something unique. Dill adds a subtle tang and freshness, parsley brings earthiness, and basil lends its sweet, slightly peppery notes. Together, these herbs create a beautifully aromatic salad that smells as good as it tastes.

The Creamy Dressing: Light but Flavorful

While the fresh vegetables and herbs are important, the creamy dressing is what ties everything together. Made from a simple combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, this dressing is both tangy and rich, without being too heavy. It coats the pasta and vegetables just enough to give the dish a satisfying creaminess, while the acidity from the vinegar cuts through the richness, ensuring that the salad remains light and refreshing.

For those who prefer a lighter version, you can easily substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream. This will maintain the creaminess of the dressing while adding a subtle tang and reducing the calorie content. The key is to keep the balance between creamy and tangy, so the dressing enhances the vegetables without overwhelming them.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best things about Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad is how easy it is to customize. You can swap out the rotini for other types of pasta, like farfalle, penne, or even orzo. If you want to add a bit more protein to the salad, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make excellent additions. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado, to suit your personal preferences.

Additionally, this salad is perfect for accommodating dietary restrictions. It’s naturally vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by using plant-based mayonnaise and sour cream. Gluten-free pasta can easily be substituted for regular pasta to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. The adaptability of this recipe ensures that it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, regardless of their dietary needs.

How to Serve and Store

This salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual family meals to more formal gatherings. You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats like chicken, pork tenderloin, or steak, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch. Because it can be made ahead of time, it’s also a great option for meal prepping, as it will last for about three days in the fridge.

To store the salad, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best to let the salad sit for at least an hour before serving, as this allows the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing, as it may settle at the bottom of the bowl.

Conclusion:

Creamy Tomato Cucumber Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a refreshing, flavorful celebration of summer’s best produce. With its crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and light yet creamy dressing, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a warm day. Its versatility makes it an ideal option for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to outdoor celebrations. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your preferences, this salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add a cool, colorful dish to their summer recipe rotation.