Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad

The first time I brought this pasta salad to a neighborhood potluck, my friend Sarah literally chased me down before I left to demand the recipe. She said she'd been thinking about it since last summer's block party, which honestly caught me off guard because I'd thrown it together in about twenty minutes that morning while half-watching a cooking show. The everything bagel seasoning was a complete accident—I'd reached for the wrong jar in my spice cabinet and just rolled with it. Sometimes the best kitchen discoveries happen when you're not really paying attention.

Last July, my sister was recovering from oral surgery and could only eat soft, cold foods. I made a triple batch of this salad and dropped it off at her apartment, expecting it to last her a few days. She texted me eight hours later saying she and her roommate had finished the entire container standing at the counter with two forks. Apparently, they had intended to save some for lunch the next day, but the combination of cool pasta and that tangy dressing was too compelling to resist.

Ingredients

• 225 g (8 oz) small shell pasta: Those little cups hold onto dressing beautifully, and I have found that shells work better than macaroni for this particular recipe
• 1 tsp salt: Adding this to your pasta water is the difference between bland and flavorful pasta
• 2 cups cucumber, diced: English cucumbers are ideal here because they have fewer seeds and that satisfying crunch without being watery
• 2 green onions: These provide a mild bite that cuts through the creamy dressing
• 2 tbsp fresh dill: Dried dill will work in a pinch, but fresh adds this bright, almost lemony flavor that makes the whole salad taste summery
• 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream: This creates that velvety base that coats the pasta without being too heavy
• 60 ml (¼ cup) mayonnaise: Just enough to give the dressing body and keep it from separating
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference in brightening up all the creaminess
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: This adds a subtle sharpness that keeps the dressing from being too one-note
• 1 clove garlic: Minced finely so you do not bite into raw chunks, but still get that aromatic warmth
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp ground black pepper: The foundation of your seasoning, but remember the everything bagel blend will add more salt
• 1½ tbsp everything bagel seasoning: The star of the show, adding crunch and that addictive savory quality

Instructions

Cook your pasta to perfect tenderness:

Boil those shells in salted water until they are just past al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool to the touch. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming gummy.

Whisk up your creamy dressing:

In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. Take your time here—a well-emulsified dressing will coat every shell evenly.

Bring it all together:

Add the cooled pasta, cucumber, green onions, and fresh dill to the bowl, then toss gently until everything is evenly distributed. The vegetables should be well-distributed throughout the pasta, not all clumped at the bottom.

Add the finishing touch:

Sprinkle in the everything bagel seasoning and fold everything one more time, being careful not to crush the pasta. This step should be done just before serving to maintain that crispy texture.

Let it rest if you can:

Taste and adjust any seasoning, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you have the willpower, letting it sit for a few hours makes it even better.

Save

My dad, who claims to hate pasta salad, ate three helpings of this at a family reunion and then asked if there was any left to take home. He said it was the crunch that won him over—that contrast between the tender shells and the crisp cucumbers, plus the occasional pop of seeds from the seasoning blend. There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that converts even the most skeptical eaters.

Making It Your Own

I have started adding diced radishes when I want extra color and bite, or sometimes diced bell peppers for sweetness. The creamy dressing is incredibly forgiving and will coat just about any crisp vegetable you throw at it. Once I added feta cheese when I was out of everything bagel seasoning, and while it was not the same recipe, it was absolutely delicious in its own right.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad has become my go-to for any gathering because it travels beautifully and does not need to be kept warm. I have served it alongside grilled chicken at summer barbecues and with smoked salmon at baby showers. The cool, creamy nature of the salad makes it the perfect counterpoint to anything hot off the grill.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The longest this has lasted in my fridge is two days, but only because my family finished it by then. Technically, it will stay good for three to four days, though the vegetables will start to lose their crunch and the pasta may absorb more of the dressing. If you know you are making it ahead, reserve half the dressing and stir it in right before serving to refresh everything.

• Store in an airtight container in the coldest part of your fridge
• If the pasta seems dry after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or more sour cream
• Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to take the edge off the cold

Save

There is a quiet joy in a dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent all day on it. This pasta salad has saved me countless times when I needed to contribute something impressive but had zero energy to make it happen.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I cook the pasta for the salad?

Boil the small shell pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it completely before mixing.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients for a lighter version?

Yes, swapping sour cream with Greek yogurt reduces fat while maintaining creamy texture.

→ What gives the salad its extra crunch?

The diced cucumber provides crisp freshness; adding celery or radishes can boost crunch even further.

→ Is everything bagel seasoning essential?

It adds a distinctive savory blend of sesame, garlic, and onion flavors, elevating the salad’s taste, but can be omitted or replaced if preferred.

→ How long should the salad be chilled before serving?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and the dish to refresh, making it more enjoyable.

→ Does this dish suit any specific dietary preferences?

It’s vegetarian-friendly and includes fresh vegetables and dairy-based dressing.