Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad 

This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a delightful and light dish, perfect for warm days, picnics, or as a side at barbecues. Combining crisp cucumbers, tender pasta, and a creamy dressing, it's both satisfying and easy to prepare. The best part? It can be made ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz (about 225g) medium-sized pasta (such as bow ties, shells, or fusilli)

• 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light or regular)

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, slice the cucumber and red onion thinly.

3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, vinegar (or lemon juice), chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced cucumber, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.

5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 8g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g