Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad

The everything bagel seasoning hack changed how I think about pasta salad forever. I was standing in my kitchen last July, sweating through a heatwave, desperate to bring something to a potluck that wouldn't wilt on the drive over. The cucumbers from my garden were taking over the counter, and I spotted that everything bagel blend my cousin had gifted me, wondering what would happen if I just went for it.

My neighbor Sarah actually texted me the next day demanding the recipe. Her teenagers, who usually survive on chicken nuggets, went back for thirds. There is something magical about how the cold crisp cucumbers play against the tender pasta and that sudden pop of garlic and onion from the seasoning blend.

Ingredients

• 225 g (8 oz) small shell pasta: The little cups catch the dressing and seasoning perfectly
• 1 tsp salt: For the pasta water, seasons the shells from inside out
• 2 cups cucumber, diced: English cucumbers work best since they have fewer seeds and thinner skin
• 2 green onions: Their mild onion flavor brightens without overpowering
• 2 tbsp fresh dill: Fresh is non-negotiable here, dried dill cannot compete
• 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream: Creates that velvety base we crave
• 60 ml (¼ cup) mayonnaise: Balances the sour cream with richness
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Cuts through the creamy elements
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that makes people wonder what the secret ingredient is
• 1 clove garlic: Minced fresh, never powdered
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper: Start here and adjust to taste
• 1½ tbsp everything bagel seasoning: The star that ties everything together

Instructions

Cook the pasta:

Boil those shells in salted water until al dente, then rinse under cold water until completely cool to stop the cooking process.

Whisk the dressing:

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until silky smooth.

Combine it all:

Fold in the cooled pasta, cucumbers, green onions, and dill until every piece is coated.

Add the magic:

Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the top and gently fold until those seeds and spices are evenly distributed.

Chill and serve:

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, then taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

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This became my go-to contribution for every summer gathering last year. Something about handing someone a bowl of something cool and refreshing when it is ninety degrees out feels like an act of kindness.

Making It Your Own

I have added diced celery or radishes when I needed more crunch, and honestly the texture upgrade is worth the extra chopping time. Once I threw in some leftover grilled chicken and it turned into a complete lunch situation.

The Lighter Version

Swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream works beautifully if you are watching your intake. The tang gets bumped up a notch which pairs nicely with the everything bagel seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad holds up beautifully for two days in the fridge, making it excellent meal prep material. The flavors actually develop more depth overnight.

• Pair alongside grilled salmon or chicken for a complete summer dinner
• Serve as part of a larger barbecue spread with corn on the cob
• Keep a container in the fridge for those lazy afternoons when you cannot bear to turn on the stove

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Hope this becomes your summer staple the way it has become mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and meld together beautifully when chilled, making it even better the next day.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Small shell pasta is ideal because it holds the dressing well and captures the flavors. Other good options include elbow pasta, orecchiette, or penne, which all have similar texture and sauce-holding properties.

→ How can I make this lighter?

Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also use reduced-fat mayonnaise or a combination of both with some plain yogurt for added tanginess.

→ What vegetables can I add for extra crunch?

Diced celery, radishes, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes work wonderfully. Avoid vegetables with high water content that might make the salad soggy. Add them just before serving for maximum crispness.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container. It's perfect for weekday lunches and pairs excellently with grilled proteins like chicken or salmon for balanced meals.

→ Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh dill is preferred for its bright, delicate flavor, but you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried dill. Dried dill is more concentrated, so use less and adjust to taste for the best result.