With tender Penne noodles, fresh sliced cucumbers, and a sweet dressing, this cucumber pasta and salad is a refreshing summer side dish.
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This post was originally published on July 30, 202. Last updated on August 5, 2024
Cool Cucumber and Pasta Salad
I have several favorite summer side dishes, but this cucumber and pasta salad recipe is at the top of the list.
It pairs perfectly with all your family’s favorite grilling recipes, or whip up a bowl to share with friends at a potluck or picnic.
I was introduced to this cucumber pasta salad recipe more than 10 years ago, and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first.
But now, this recipe has become one of my summer salad go-to’s!
This pasta salad with cucumbers is absolutely delish!
The soft penne noodles combined with the refreshing crunch of cucumbers and a sweet, tangy dressing are a match made in pasta salad heaven.
Table of Contents
- Cool Cucumber and Pasta Salad
- How to Make Cucumber and Pasta Salad
- How to Store Leftovers
- What to Serve with Your Cucumber and Pasta Salad
- More Pasta Salad Recipes from Midwest Life and Style
- It’s Time To Dig In!
- Printable Recipe Card for Cucumber and Pasta Salad
- Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!
Ingredients for Cucumber and Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces Penne pasta
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 medium cucumbers (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 medium white onion (thinly sliced)
- 1- 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Paring knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mandolin Slicer
- Medium pot with straining lid
- Collander
How to Make Cucumber and Pasta Salad
Step 1: Boil the Pasta and Slice the Vegetables
Bring some water to a boil in a medium pot on the stove, and cook the Penne pasta for 10 – 13 minutes or until it’s al dente.
While the pasta cooks, thinly slice the cucumbers and onion using a mandoline slicer.
I also prefer to peel my cucumbers first, but you can leave the skin on if you want to.
When the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse it in cold water, and place it in a large mixing bowl.
After the pasta is drained, toss it with 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. (This will help prevent the Penne noodles from sticking together.)
Add the cucumbers and onion to the pasta and stir to combine.
Step 2: Make the Pasta Salad Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and pour over the cucumber and pasta salad.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Then cover the mixing bowl and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator to chill for two to four hours. (The longer the salad chills, the better the flavor is!)
How to Store Leftovers
I think cucumber and pasta salad is best served fresh, but if you have any leftovers simply cover them and place them in the fridge.
The salad can be stored for up to three to four days.
What to Serve with Your Cucumber and Pasta Salad
This pasta salad recipe goes great with hamburgers, grilled peach-glazed pork loin, steak and vegetable kabobs, smoked country-style pork ribs, or smoked beer can chicken.
To finish your dinner, try a no-bake dessert like lemon berry cheesecake cups or summer berry trifle.
Or try any one of these classic summer sweets including, peach dump cake, cast-iron triple berry crisp, or my personal favorite, old-fashioned strawberry peach crisp.
More Pasta Salad Recipes from Midwest Life and Style
It’s Time To Dig In!
Yum!
I know what I’ll be making with all of the cucumbers from my garden.
As always, feel free to leave any questions or comments below, and don’t forget to pin this post to save it for later.
And, if you try this recipe, remember to leave your feedback by leaving a rating on the recipe card below to let other readers know what you think.
Enjoy!
Printable Recipe Card for Cucumber and Pasta Salad
Cucumber and Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Penne pasta
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 medium cucumbers (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 ½ cups granulated white sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Cook the Penne pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water. Lightly coat the pasta with olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- While the pasta cooks, slice the cucumbers and onion. Once cooled, put the pasta in a large bowl and add sliced vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad and stir to coat. Cover and chill for 4 hours. Refrigerate leftovers.
I would love to see what you make! If you try any of my recipes, be sure to tag me in your photos!
IG: @midwestlifeandstyle + #midwestlifeandstyle
Did You Enjoy This Recipe? PIN It for Later!
This looks delicious! Definitely a recipe I will have to try!
Thank you, Kim. I hope you do! It is such a great summer dish.
This looks so yummy! I’m going to have to try this and some of your other recipes.
Thank you, Shawna. It is one of my favorite summer dishes!
Yum, this looks amazing! I’m always looking for unique salad ideas! What a great summer dish!
Thank you! It is so yummy and very simple to make! I hope you are able to try it.
Sure I would try it but I would never put one and a half cups of sugar as it says, I would only put about a quarter of a cup! Maybe it is a misprint
Hi Deb,
Thank you for stopping by. No, it is not a misprint. You can certainly cut back on the sugar a bit if you wish, but it will substantially change the flavor profile of the dresssing.
Oh this looks so good!!! Thanks for sharing I can’t wait to try this one!
Thank you, Kelly! It is one of my absolute favorites. And a great way to use some of the cucumbers from my garden!