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Rinsing your pasta with cold water after cooking is an essential step that often goes overlooked. This simple action halts the cooking process, preventing the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy. Additionally, rinsing helps to remove excess starch, which can make your pasta salad gummy. By cooling the pasta down, you also ensure that it is ready to absorb the flavors of the dressing without becoming too warm or soggy. A cold rinse helps maintain the firm texture of the pasta, which is crucial for achieving a delightful creamy cucumber pasta salad.

Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad

Discover a delicious and refreshing Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad perfect for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. This vibrant dish combines rotini pasta with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, all dressed in a creamy blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Easy to customize and packed with flavor and nutrition, this salad is sure to impress! Follow our simple preparation guide to make this delightful recipe your new summer favorite.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

      Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the diced vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently toss until everything is well coated.

          Add Feta (Optional): If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad and toss lightly to combine.

            Chill: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Serve: Give the salad a good stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy your refreshing and creamy cucumber pasta salad!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings