Best Cucumber Pasta Salad

Posted on February 25, 2026

Delicious bowl of cucumber pasta salad with fresh vegetables and dressing

Fresh Summer Salad Snapshot

A light, refreshing take on pasta salad that’s perfect for warm-weather meals and picnic spreads. This article walks you through a simple, crunchy, crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together in minutes and gets better after chilling.

introduction

This Best Cucumber Pasta Salad is bright, crunchy, and perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks. It’s one of those easy recipes you’ll want to pin and make again and again because it hits the sweet spot between simple prep and fresh flavor. If you enjoy crisp pasta sides, try pairing ideas inspired by a popular crunchy recipe like crispy artichoke pasta for more texture-driven salads.

Why You’ll Love This Best Cucumber Pasta Salad :

Bright, crisp cucumber and juicy cherry tomatoes for fresh summer flavor.
Ready in about 30–40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Great for meal prep — holds up well in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Family-friendly and easy to customize (add protein or olives).
No mayo — light olive oil and vinegar dressing keeps it bright.

Ingredients Needed :

Pasta

2 cups cooked pasta (small shapes like rotini, shells, or bowties)

Veggies & Herbs

1 large cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing & Seasoning

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions :

Cook and cool pasta: Prepare 2 cups of small-shaped pasta according to package directions; drain and let cool slightly.
Combine salad base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Final seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper just before serving.

Serving Suggestions Best Cucumber Pasta Salad

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled chicken, fish, or veggie skewers. It’s excellent on a barbecue spread or packed for lunch. For a playful combo, serve with a salty, roasted side like a crunchy artichoke dish to contrast the fresh cucumber—think about trying a complementary recipe such as crispy artichoke pasta for bold texture on the side.

Tips for SuccessBest Cucumber Pasta Salad

Salt the pasta water well so the noodles themselves are flavorful from the start.
Don’t overdress: start with half the dressing, toss, then add more if needed so it stays light.
Dice cucumbers uniformly so every bite has balanced texture.
Chill before serving — the flavors meld and the salad tastes brighter after 30 minutes.
Make it into a meal: stir in cooked chicken, chickpeas, or feta for protein.
For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds just before serving.

For more ideas on turning simple pasta into a standout side, explore a textured pasta recipe like crispy artichoke pasta to inspire add-ins and techniques.

variation (if any)

Mediterranean: Add 1/3 cup crumbled feta, 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon.
Creamy option: Swap half the olive oil for 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt for a silky dressing.
Herb-forward: Replace parsley with a mix of dill and basil for a different herb profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes — make it up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the fridge. Add any crunchy toppings right before serving.

Q: How long will this keep in the fridge?
A: Best eaten within 2–3 days. Vegetables will stay firm longer if the salad is well chilled.

Q: Can I substitute the vinegar?
A: You can use lemon juice or red wine vinegar in equal amounts for a different brightness.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep lunches?
A: Absolutely — it packs well and pairs easily with grilled protein or beans to make a full meal.