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To make a tasty cucumber pasta salad, gather these main ingredients: - 8 oz. whole wheat pasta (like fusilli or penne) - 2 medium cucumbers, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled These ingredients blend well to create a fresh taste. You can add more flavor with these optional ingredients: - Fresh parsley for garnish - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These extra items enhance the salad’s taste and aroma. Each serving of cucumber pasta salad has about: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 35g - Fiber: 5g - Fat: 12g This salad is a healthy choice, full of nutrients and flavor. First, take 8 oz. of whole wheat pasta. You can use fusilli or penne. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking. This step is key to keeping the pasta firm. Now, let’s chop some veggies! Take 2 medium cucumbers and dice them into small pieces. Next, grab 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Then, slice 1/2 of a red onion thinly. Don’t forget about 1/4 cup of black olives; slice them too. Combine all these fresh ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Their colors will make the salad pop! In a small bowl, you will make the dressing. Start with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these together until everything is mixed well. A good dressing ties the salad together! Now it's time to combine everything! Pour the dressing over the bowl of pasta and veggies. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the pasta. Next, fold in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. It adds a creamy texture and salty flavor. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the flavors mix well. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. This dish is great for picnics or barbecues. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also add more feta on top if you like. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful delight! When selecting cucumbers, look for firm, smooth skin. You want cucumbers that feel heavy for their size. Avoid cucumbers with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh cucumbers have a bright green color. If they are yellow, they may be overripe. You can also check for a sweet smell, which indicates freshness. To cook pasta perfectly, use plenty of water and salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Stir the pasta right after you add it to prevent sticking. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Test the pasta a minute before the end. It should be al dente, meaning it has a slight bite. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or dill. You can also include a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes. If you like nuts, toasted pine nuts add a nice crunch. Finally, for a creamy texture, swap feta for avocado or add Greek yogurt. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. To do this, simply leave out the feta cheese. You can replace it with avocado for a creamy texture. If you want some extra protein, add chickpeas or black beans. They will give you a satisfying bite while keeping it plant-based. If you need a gluten-free version, swap whole wheat pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many stores sell options made from rice or corn. These pastas cook well and taste great in this salad. Just watch the cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta. Feel free to add more ingredients to boost flavor and texture. Some great choices are: - Bell peppers for crunch and color. - Spinach or arugula for extra greens. - Artichoke hearts for a tangy twist. - Fresh herbs like basil or dill for freshness. Mix and match these ideas to make your perfect cucumber pasta salad! To keep your cucumber pasta salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. The salad can stay fresh for about three days. If you have leftovers, let the salad cool first. Then, transfer it to a container. Make sure to seal it tightly. You can also separate the dressing if you want. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Don’t leave the salad out at room temperature for too long. Bacteria can grow quickly. Also, avoid adding salt to the salad before storing. Salt can draw out moisture and make your salad mushy. Yes, you can make Cucumber Pasta Salad ahead of time. It tastes great when chilled. I often prepare it a few hours or even a day before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. This gives the flavors time to blend nicely. You can use many dressings for Cucumber Pasta Salad. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a nice twist. Italian dressing can also work well. You might try a yogurt-based dressing for creaminess. Experiment and find what you like best! Cucumber Pasta Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. If you notice the cucumbers getting soggy, it’s time to toss it. Freshness is key for the best taste. Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you enjoy. Fusilli and penne work great, but rotini or farfalle can be fun too. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture. Cucumber Pasta Salad makes a great side dish. Serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also perfect at picnics or barbecues. You can even top it with extra feta or herbs for a fresh touch. Cucumber pasta salad combines fresh ingredients, simple steps, and healthy choices. You learned to cook pasta, prep veggies, and whip up a tasty dressing. Remember to pick the best cucumbers and avoid common storage mistakes. With variations for different diets, this dish fits many needs. Enjoy making this salad ahead or trying new ingredients. Get creative with flavors! This salad is not just a meal; it’s a chance to explore and enjoy. Happy cooking!

Cucumber Pasta Salad

Discover the refreshing flavors of this Crispy Cucumber Pasta Salad! Perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch, this easy recipe combines whole wheat pasta with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta. It's a quick dish that bursts with flavor from the zesty lemon dressing and herbs. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this delicious and healthy salad!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne)

2 medium cucumbers, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and black olives.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

          Fold in the crumbled feta cheese carefully to avoid breaking it too much.

            Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

              Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving, to let the flavors meld together.

                Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4