Cucumber Crunch Pasta Salad

Last summer, my neighbor Sarah brought this pasta salad to our block party and it vanished in minutes. Everyone kept asking what made it taste so different and addictive. The everything bagel seasoning was her secret twist that nobody expected on pasta. Now I cannot imagine summer without it.

I made this for my sisters birthday picnic last month and even the kids who claim to hate vegetables went back for thirds. My brother in law who usually complains about boring pasta salad actually asked for the recipe before he left.

Ingredients

• 225 g (8 oz) small shell pasta: The tiny cups catch the dressing perfectly so every bite is flavorful
• 2 cups cucumber, diced: English cucumbers work best because they stay crisp longer and have fewer seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: These add a mild bite that balances the creamy dressing
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped: Fresh herbs make all the difference here, dried just will not give the same bright flavor
• 120 ml (½ cup) sour cream: This creates the tangy base that makes the dressing so addictive
• 60 ml (¼ cup) mayonnaise: Adds the rich creaminess that coats every shell
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh squeezed is worth the effort for that bright pop
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Just enough to give the dressing depth without overpowering
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Grate it on a microplane so it disappears into the dressing
• ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adjust after adding the everything bagel seasoning since it is salty
• 1½ tbsp everything bagel seasoning: The star ingredient that makes this salad unforgettable

Instructions

Cook the pasta perfectly:

Boil those shells in salted water until they have a slight bite, then rinse under cold water until completely cool to stop the cooking

Whisk up the creamy dressing:

Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and incorporated

Toss everything together:

Add the cooled pasta, cucumber, green onions, and fresh dill to the dressing and fold gently until every shell is coated

Add the magic seasoning:

Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the top and fold it in so the flavor gets distributed throughout

Let it chill:

Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge so the flavors can meld together and the pasta can soak up the dressing

Save

This recipe became my go to for all summer gatherings after the birthday picnic. Something about the cool crunch and creamy tang just hits different on hot days.

Make It Your Own

Once you have the base down, this pasta salad is incredibly forgiving. I have added diced radishes for extra color and crunch, bell peppers for sweetness, and even chickpeas to make it more filling.

Perfect Pairings

This shines alongside anything fresh and simple from the grill. Try it with teriyaki chicken, spicy sausages, or even as part of a big summer spread with watermelon and corn on the cob.

Storage And Meal Prep

The salad actually tastes better the next day once the pasta has had more time to absorb the dressing. Just give it a quick stir before serving because the seasoning settles at the bottom.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Add a splash more dressing if it seems dry after sitting
• Hold off on adding the dill until right before serving if you want it to stay bright green

Save

Trust me, once you make this version, regular pasta salad will feel incomplete. That everything bagel twist changes everything.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this shell salad actually improves after chilling for a few hours. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the pasta absorbs the creamy dressing. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead summer gatherings.

→ What can I substitute for the everything bagel seasoning?

You can create a homemade blend using equal parts poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. Alternatively, try everything seasoning alternatives like everything pretzel salt, or simply add extra fresh herbs and a pinch of garlic powder for that savory finish.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from absorbing all the dressing?

Rinse the cooked shells under cold water until completely cool to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming gummy and absorbing too much dressing. You can also reserve a small amount of dressing to stir in just before serving if needed.

→ Can I make this lighter or healthier?

Absolutely. Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also use light mayonnaise or increase the vegetable-to-pasta ratio by adding more cucumbers, diced bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and volume.

→ What proteins pair well with this dish?

Grilled chicken breast, smoked salmon, or cooked shrimp complement the creamy flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian protein boost, add white beans, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese. The tangy dressing also pairs wonderfully with poached salmon or herb-roasted tofu.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

While small shells are perfect for holding the creamy dressing and seasonings, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, fusilli, bow ties, or orecchiette. Just ensure the pasta is small enough to mix easily with the diced cucumbers and coating of dressing.