Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad can be made in just 5 minutes! With pasta, veggies, bacon, and a tangy homemade dressing, its a perfect dish.
Servings: 8
Calories: 421kcal
Ingredients
- 3 cups Bowtie Pasta cooked and cooled
- 1 cup English Cucumber chopped
- 1 cup Tomatoes halved (I use Flavor Bomb Tomatoes)
- ½ cup Feta Cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan grated
- 1 cup Bacon cooked and Crumbled
- ½ cup Chives chopped
- 1 packet Italian Dressing Mix 0.7 oz packet
- 1/2 cup Mayo
- ¼ cup White Vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Water
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- 1-2 tablespoons Fresh Dill chopped
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to cool down quickly and stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside in a large salad bowl.
- Chop the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, chop the English cucumber into bite-sized pieces and halve the tomatoes. If you’re using Flavor Bomb tomatoes, their rich taste will add a wonderful depth to the salad. (I get them at Sam’s Club but you can use cherry or roma tomatoes as a substitution)
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool before crumbling.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing mix with olive oil, mayonnaise, white vinegar, and water. Whisk together until well blended. Stir in the chopped fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as necessary, depending on your preference for tanginess or creaminess.
- Combine the Salad: To the bowl with the cooled bowtie pasta, add the chopped English cucumber, halved tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon and chives. Toss gently to combine.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss again until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. The dressing will help to meld the flavors together and infuse the pasta and vegetables with a deliciously tangy and herbaceous taste.
- Final Touches: Give the salad a final taste test and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. The fresh dill should provide a nice herby backdrop to the salad, but you can always add more if you prefer a stronger dill presence.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting time lets the flavors develop more fully. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Notes
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
This salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you've got leftovers, simply cover and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better with time!Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the salad a day in advance to let the flavors deepen. It's a perfect make-ahead dish for stress-free entertaining.Substitutions & Variations
- Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorites or whatever's in season.
- Dressing: Yogurt or sour cream can substitute for mayo for a lighter touch.
- Cheese: Not a feta fan? Try goat cheese for a creamy twist.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Pasta Choice: Bowtie pasta not only looks pretty but also holds the dressing well. However, any short pasta will do.
- Dressing: The dressing is versatile. Play with the herbs and seasonings to suit your palate.