Description
This healthy pasta cucumber salad recipe combines crisp cucumbers, tender whole wheat pasta, and a light vinaigrette, making it a refreshing dish perfect for warm summer months. It's versatile, quick to prepare, and can be customized based on available ingredients.
Ingredients
12 oz Whole wheat pasta (rotini or penne)
2 large Cucumbers, diced
2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small Red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Lemon juice
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onio
- Step 3: Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Shake off excess water thoroughly
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and black pepper
- Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated
- Step 6: Add the fresh dill and parsley, then toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Step 7: If using feta cheese, gently fold it in at the end
- Step 8: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving
Notes
For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 385 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg