Experience a delightful twist on the traditional pasta salad with our refreshing Cucumber Pasta Salad. Combining the simplicity of pasta, the crispness of cucumbers, the zing of red onion, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette, this recipe effortlessly comes together to create a light and invigorating dish.

Whether you need a speedy dinner side or a standout addition to your picnic or party spread, this recipe is your go-to option, guaranteeing a burst of flavors in every bite.

cucumber pasta salad in a large bowl and served on a plate with a fork.

This Cucumber Pasta Salad is another one of those recipes I’ve been wanting to share on the blog for years. This is a recipe I got from my dad’s wife, Michelle. Over the years, she has made this recipe many times for family gatherings. It has always been a favorite of mine and still is today.

A couple of weeks ago we were talking about the pasta salad and I finally remembered to ask for the recipe. I’m excited to share it with you today. I’ve also shared a few other recipes from her include my favorite pepperoni bread (amazing!) and this seafood lasagna.

As you might already know, I’m a big fan of pasta salad recipes. I’ve made and shared many of them on the blog over the years. Take a peek at the full collection of my best pasta salad recipes.

cucumber pasta salad served in a large bowl.

cucumber pasta salad on a small white plate with a fork.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How to Make

4 Recipe Variations

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Pasta Salad Recipes to Love

7 Cucumber Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a refreshing alternative to the heavier, mayo-based salads typically served.
With its light and invigorating qualities, the Cucumber Pasta Salad is perfect for warm weather or when you crave a lighter dish. It’s a great option for those who prefer fresher and healthier choices.
This recipe is extremely versatile and can be customized to your liking with various herbs and seasonings.
You only need a few ingredients to make it, so it’s really easy and quick to put together.
The combination of pasta, cucumbers, red onion, and the tangy homemade vinaigrette ensures a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. The contrasting textures and tastes create a satisfying and delicious experience.

cucumber pasta salad served in a large bowl with two servings on small white plates.

I’m thrilled to be adding this Cucumber Pasta Salad to my collection because it’s totally different when compared to the other recipes I’ve shared. It’s really light and refreshing. Plus, you only need a few ingredients to make it. You won’t be spending an hour in the kitchen chopping up all of the ingredients for this recipe.

It’s also worth mentioning that this is a soupier pasta salad — which basically just means that there’s a lot of dressing. I typically don’t love things overdressed, but in this case, it’s welcomed and wonderful. Not only is it delicious, but the dressing is rather light so it’s not overpowering.

I mention the dressing because it is important that the pasta salad sits for a few hours so that the pasta can soak up some of the dressing. I also don’t want you to think you made a mistake when adding the dressing to the pasta salad. You’ll understand and appreciate it once you give it a taste.

Have I convinced you to give this Cucumber Pasta Salad a try? If so, let me walk you through the recipe.

close up of cucumber pasta salad with red onions on a plate with a fork.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed for this recipe are also simple and accessible, allowing you to whip up this dish at a moment’s notice.

pasta (I love cavatappi for this recipe)
cucumbers (I used baby cucumbers here.)
red onion
extra virgin olive oil
apple cider vinegar
sugar
yellow mustard
garlic salt
dried parsley
salt and pepper

cucumber pasta salad pinterest images with a bowl of pasta salad and servings on a plate.

How to Make

Okay, we’re ready to put this cucumber pasta salad together. I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse, and then place into a large bowl. A detailed ingredient list and recipe instructions are provided in a printable recipe card below.
Drizzle with the olive oil and then add in the cucumbers and onion.

a large bowl with sliced cucumbers, cooked pasta, and red onions.

The original recipe calls for two large cucumbers peeled and sliced. I opted to use these baby cucumbers instead. You can use whatever cucumber you like. If the skin on your chosen cucumber is tougher, I recommend peeling before slicing.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, yellow mustard, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Pour over the pasta and mix well to combine.

dressing vinaigrette in a measuring cup with a whisk.

pouring dressing over Trim cucumber pasta salad ingredients.

Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) before serving.

You can see how easy this Cucumber Pasta Salad is to make. And, since it requires some chilling time in the refrigerator, you can even whip it up the night before. Love that!

cucumber pasta salad in a bowl and served on two smaller plates.

I whipped up this particular batch to take to my dad’s annual Fourth of July party. The container was empty when I took it home. That’s the true sign of a tasty recipe.

Be sure to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think.

close up of cucumber pasta salad served in a large white bowl.

Recipe Variations

To keep things interesting, there are plenty of ways to vary up this cucumber pasta salad recipe.

One option is to swap out the pasta shape for something different, like rotini or bowtie pasta.
Another way to mix things up is to switch out the dressing—try a lemon vinaigrette or a spicy Thai-inspired sauce to give the dish a new flavor profile.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add some extra zing, such as fresh basil, mint, or red pepper flakes.
If you’re looking to make a heartier meal, consider adding some protein to the salad. A handful of cooked shrimp or grilled chicken can turn this side dish into a satisfying main course.
You can also try incorporating different types of veggies, like roasted red peppers or sliced zucchini, for a more colorful and diverse dish.

cucumber pasta salad in a big bowl with a serving spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cucumber pasta salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. Just make sure to give it a quick stir before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you like. Just keep in mind that different types of pasta take different amounts of time to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?

Yes, if you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or even red wine vinegar. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I add cheese to the salad?

Yes, you can add crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice.

close up of noodles, cucumbers, and red onion salad in a bowl.

More Pasta Salad Recipes to Love

I hope you’ll try this cajun potato salad for your next get-together. I know you’re going to LOVE it. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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