Pin it Last summer my neighbor brought this to our block party and I literally hovered over the bowl until she wrote down the recipe for me. The crunch of cold cucumber against creamy pasta just hits different when it is ninety degrees out and your hair is sticking to your neck.
I made three batches for my sisters baby shower last month because people kept coming back for seconds. My aunt who claims to hate pasta salad actually went back for a third helping which is basically the highest compliment she has ever paid me.
Ingredients
- Small shell pasta: Those little cups hold onto the creamy dressing perfectly so every bite is flavorful
- English cucumber: The thinner skin means no peeling required and the seeds stay crisp longer than regular cucumbers
- Fresh dill: Dried dill works in a pinch but fresh brings that bright summer taste that makes this salad sing
- Sour cream: Creates that velvety tangy base that coats every shell without making things heavy
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is what transforms ordinary pasta salad into something people will beg you to bring to every gathering
Instructions
- Boil those shells:
- Cook your pasta in generously salted water until it has that perfect al dente bite then rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process
- Whisk up the magic:
- Combine your sour cream and mayonnaise with lemon juice mustard garlic salt and pepper until the mixture is completely smooth and irresistible
- Bring it all together:
- Gently fold your cooled pasta cucumber onions and dill into that creamy dressing until everything is evenly coated
- Season and surprise:
- Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the top and fold it through so those sesame seeds and garlic bits get into every corner
- Let it rest:
- Pop it in the fridge for at least thirty minutes because this salad tastes so much better when the flavors have time to make friends
Pin it My three year old nephew who typically survives on air and goldfish crackers actually ate a whole bowl of this at our family reunion. Watching him carefully pick out every shell with extra seasoning on it made me realize this is the kind of recipe that converts even the pickiest eaters.
Make It Your Own
I have added diced radishes for extra crunch and bell peppers for color and both variations were absolute winners at potlucks.
The Perfect Texture Balance
The key here is cutting your cucumber into small even pieces so every forkful gets that refreshing crunch without overwhelming the tender pasta shells.
Storage And Serving
This actually tastes better on day two after the dressing has really soaked into the pasta.
- Bring it to room temperature for about twenty minutes before serving
- Add an extra tablespoon of sour cream if it seems dry after refrigeration
- Hold off on adding the seasoning until right before serving leftovers to keep it crunchy
Pin it Every time I make this now I think about that block party and how something so simple can become such a happy memory.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is ideal for advance preparation. You can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after chilling for at least 30 minutes, making it perfect for meal prep.
- → How can I make this lighter?
Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to create a lighter version with fewer calories and more protein. You can also reduce the amount of mayonnaise or replace it partially with Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier dressing.
- → What vegetables can I add or substitute?
For extra crunch, add diced celery, radishes, or bell peppers. Cherry tomatoes, red onion, or shredded carrots work well too. Keep cucumber as the base but feel free to customize other vegetables based on your preferences and what's in season.
- → Is this salad gluten-free?
The standard version contains wheat pasta and may have sesame seeds in the everything bagel seasoning, making it not gluten-free. However, you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free pasta and confirming your bagel seasoning is gluten-free or using a homemade blend.
- → What proteins pair well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, smoked salmon, and shrimp are excellent protein pairings. For a vegetarian meal, add chickpeas, white beans, or tofu. The creamy dressing complements both light proteins and heartier options beautifully.
- → Can I freeze leftover salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the pasta texture becomes mushy upon thawing and the dressing separates. Instead, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a day of preparation for optimal texture and flavor.