Description
This Healthy Cucumber Pasta Salad is a refreshing, nutritious dish with whole wheat pasta, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic meal, it’s easy to make and customizable to your liking.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumbers, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and toss gently. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- This salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just add the feta cheese right before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.
- To make the dressing lighter, use plain Greek yogurt instead of olive oil, or reduce the oil amount.
- If you want a crunchier texture, try adding sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
