Cool Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad

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

A refreshing chilled pasta salad with crisp cucumbers, bright dill, and a tangy lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes pairs Fusilli pasta, seeded and diced Cucumber, diced Red bell pepper 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 350 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 12 oz fusilli pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Toss with 1 tsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and the cooled pasta to the dressing. Toss gently to coat. Fold in 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cool Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad 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 Cool Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad?

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 fusilli pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cool Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad?

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 Cool Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad 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 Cool Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad?

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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