Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad (Printer View)

Tender shells, crisp cucumbers, and fresh dill tossed in creamy dressing with zesty everything bagel seasoning.

# What you'll need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 oz small shell pasta
02 - 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 cups cucumber, diced (about 1 large English cucumber)
04 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Fresh Herbs

05 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped

→ Dressing

06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Seasoning

13 - 1 1/2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

# Method:

01 - Cook shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
03 - Add cooled pasta, diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and fresh dill to the dressing bowl. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the salad and fold gently until distributed evenly throughout.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The everything bagel seasoning adds an unexpected savory crunch that keeps everyone guessing
  • Creamy dressing coats every tiny shell perfectly without feeling heavy
  • Cucumber brings such a fresh crunch that cuts through the richness
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water is not optional it stops cooking and prevents sticky clumps
  • The salad needs that chilling time because the flavors develop and intensify as they rest
  • Everything bagel seasoning can get soggy if added too far ahead so add it just before serving if meal prepping
03 -
  • Cut your cucumber into small even dice so every forkful gets some crunch
  • Toast the everything bagel seasoning in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding for an even bigger flavor boost
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