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As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, the allure of light, refreshing meals becomes undeniable. Pasta salads, with their endless versatility and vibrant flavors, stand out as a quintessential summer dish. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply looking for a quick and satisfying meal, a well-crafted pasta salad can fit the bill beautifully. One such recipe that embodies the spirit of summer is the Refreshing Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad. This delightful dish is not only easy to prepare but also brings together a medley of fresh ingredients that tantalize the taste buds while keeping things light and nutritious.

Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad

Beat the heat with this Refreshing Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad, perfect for warm weather meals! Combining crisp cucumbers, fragrant dill, and tender fusilli, this dish brings vibrant flavors to your table. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a quick lunch, it’s packed with nutrition and easy to make. With a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, colorful cherry tomatoes, and a hint of red onion, every bite is a delightful burst of freshness. Enjoy a light, satisfying dish that celebrates summer!

Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 225 g) fusilli pasta (or your preferred pasta)

2 medium cucumbers, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly. Set the pasta aside in a large bowl.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. Place all the chopped vegetables into the same large mixing bowl as the pasta.

      Make the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy, ensuring all components are well integrated.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta and chopped vegetables in the mixing bowl. Add the freshly chopped dill as well and gently toss everything together until every piece is evenly coated with the dressing.

          Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and adjust the seasoning as desired. If you want a more pronounced flavor, feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your taste preference.

            Chill: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld and intensify.

              Serve: When ready to serve, gently stir the salad to fluff it up. For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. Enjoy your salad chilled!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  Preparation: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6