Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

Tender shells, crisp cucumbers, and fresh dill in a creamy, tangy dressing with 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
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 fresh 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 - 1.5 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

# How-To Steps:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The everything bagel seasoning creates this addictive salty crunch that makes people pause and ask whats in it
  • It actually gets better after sitting in the fridge, so you can make it ahead without stress
  • The creamy dressing clings perfectly to the shell pasta curves, ensuring every bite is flavorful
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water or itll keep cooking and turn into mush
  • The salad needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to really come together
  • Everything bagel seasoning brands vary wildly in saltiness, so taste before adding more salt
03 -
  • Cut your cucumber slightly larger than you think you should so it maintains crunch even after marinating
  • Reserve a handful of green onion greens to sprinkle on top right before serving for a fresh pop of color
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