How to Make a Fresh and Easy Cucumber and Tomato Pasta Salad
This cucumber tomato pasta salad has all the best summer flavors. You’ll love the simple homemade dressing, chunks of mozzarella, and garden-fresh veggies.
It’s one of our favorite recipes to use up cucumbers when we’re tired of all the usual suspects.
Cucumber Tomato Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons basil
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅔ cup white wine vinegar
- 1 large diced cucumber
- 5 medium diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces diced mozzarella
- half box cooked penne pasta 8 ounces
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the dressing. Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, and Dijon dressing in a small bowl. Add the vinegar while whisking until well-combined.
- Add the other ingredients and chill. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the dressing and add the cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella. Cover the pasta salad and chill in the fridge for at least two hours.
- Serve. Remove from the fridge and add the fresh parsley. Stir again to combine.
Notes
It’s easy to make. The dressing is the hardest part, and that takes all of five minutes. It requires simple ingredients and you can make it ahead of time! Chilling in the fridge for a few hours also allows the flavors to come together.
What You’ll Need For This Summer Side Dish
Here are a few important ingredients and tools you’ll need to make this delicious pasta salad:
Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick to the dressing that you can’t get from regular mustard.
White wine vinegar. This vinegar brings a subtle sweetness and light acidity to the dressing, perfect for balancing the flavors.
Mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture that complements the crunchy veggies.
Large mixing bowl. A large mixing bowl ensures you have enough room to mix everything together without spilling.
Substitutions and Variations
Greek Pasta Salad
- Substitute mozzarella with feta cheese.
- Add kalamata olives, red onion, and fresh tomatoes.
- Use rotini pasta instead of penne.
- Season with extra virgin olive oil and fresh dill.
Italian Pasta Salad
- Include green onions, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add some fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Swap the penne for whole wheat pasta or orzo pasta.
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
- Mix macaroni salad ingredients with diced juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.
- Use a creamy dressing with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Simplify the recipe to focus on fresh cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and fresh lemon juice.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
resh parsley. Stir again to combine.
FAQs
Yes, you can add any type of chopped vegetable you like to this pasta salad. Some good additions include bell peppers, sweet corn, and roasted or sautéed mushrooms.
Absolutely! Adding feta cheese can give your salad a tangy twist. It pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables.
You can substitute white wine vinegar with any type of mild or acidic vinegar, such as rice vinegar or red wine vinegar.
You can substitute with other fresh herbs like fresh dill or fresh mint for a different flavor profile.
While penne is recommended, rotini pasta and chickpea pasta also work well, providing different textures and flavors.
This cucumber and tomato pasta salad is a great way to enjoy fresh, summer produce. It’s simple to make, versatile, and perfect for any meal. With its delicious blend of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Make it ahead of time, keep it in the fridge, and enjoy a refreshing, flavorful dish anytime. Try this recipe for your next gathering or as a quick side dish for dinner, and enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste of summer in every bite.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.