Chilled Lemon-Dill Pasta Salad with Cucumber

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing summer dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with bright lemon dressing and crisp cucumber, perfect for picnics or potlucks. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, fresh dill, lemon into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes), then immediately rinse under cold water to chill. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 1 juiced lemon, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 cup chopped dill until emulsified. Pour over the cooled pasta and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced cucumber, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese to the pasta. Toss gently until all ingredients are distributed, then chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Lemon-Dill Pasta Salad with Cucumber take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chilled Lemon-Dill Pasta Salad with Cucumber?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Lemon-Dill Pasta Salad with Cucumber?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Lemon-Dill Pasta Salad with Cucumber for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chilled Lemon-Dill Pasta Salad with Cucumber?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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