Pin It Last summer my neighbor leaned over the fence while I was wrestling with yet another heavy potato salad for a block party. She handed me a container of this cool, crisp creation and said trust me, people will actually finish this one. She was right, the bowl was empty before the burgers even hit the grill.
I made this for my sisters baby shower last minute because I forgot my side dish assignment. My aunt came back three times for seconds and finally demanded the recipe right there while holding a paper plate. Now its the only thing anyone asks me to bring to potlucks anymore.
Ingredients
- Small shell pasta: The little curves catch the dressing in all the right places
- English cucumber: Fewer seeds means less watery salad later
- Fresh dill: Dried herbs work but fresh dill makes everything taste like summer
- Sour cream: Creates that perfect tangy base you cannot get from mayo alone
- Everything bagel seasoning: The secret ingredient that makes people pause and take another bite
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells:
- Boil those shells until they have just a little bite left, then rinse them under cold water until they are cool to the touch. Do not skip this step or your dressing will turn into weird soup.
- Whisk up the creamy dressing:
- Combine sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and incorporated. Let it sit for five minutes to let the garlic mellow out a bit.
- Toss everything together:
- Dump the cooled pasta, cucumber, green onions, and dill into the dressing. Fold it all together gently so you do not crush those delicate cucumber cubes.
- Add the magic crunch:
- Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the top and fold it in until you see little specks throughout. Taste it now and add more seasoning if your heart says yes.
- Let it chill out:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, though honestly it gets even better if it hangs out overnight. The flavors need this time to become best friends.
Pin It My cousin who hates pasta salad took one polite bite at our Labor Day picnic and proceeded to eat almost half the bowl. She stood there dipping her fork in while everyone else was lining up for burgers, completely unbothered.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in diced radishes for extra color and peppery bite, especially when I want it to look fancy for company. The red against the green makes the whole bowl look like summer on a plate.
Perfect Pairings
This shines next to anything hot off the grill because the cool creaminess balances out those smoky charred flavors perfectly. I have served it alongside everything from cedar plank salmon to spicy barbecue wings.
Make Ahead Magic
The beauty of this salad is that it actually tastes better on day two when all those flavors have had time to mingle and get comfortable with each other. I often make it the night before and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- Chop your cucumbers and onions the night before and store them separately to stay crisp
- Wait to add the everything bagel seasoning until right before serving for maximum crunch
- If it seems dry after chilling, splash in a little more sour cream and fold gently
Pin It This is the dish that converts pasta salad skeptics every single time. Hope it becomes your summer standby too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually improves with time as flavors meld together. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir gently before serving.
- → What vegetables can I add for extra crunch?
Try adding ½ cup diced celery, radishes, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. These additions complement the cooling effect of cucumbers and maintain the salad's crispy texture.
- → How can I make this lighter?
Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess. You can also use half Greek yogurt and half regular sour cream for a gradual transition.
- → What proteins pair well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or fresh shrimp work beautifully. For vegetarians, add crumbled feta cheese or roasted chickpeas for additional protein and substance.
- → Can I substitute the everything bagel seasoning?
Absolutely. Use za'atar, Italian seasoning, or a combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt, and garlic powder. Adjust quantity based on the intensity of your chosen seasoning blend.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions, then immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures the shells remain firm and hold up well when tossed with dressing.