Did you know a single serving of cucumber tomato pasta salad has 336 calories? This fact shows how filling this refreshing summer dish is. I’m excited to share a simple recipe that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and quick dinners.

This veggie pasta salad is quick to make, taking just 15 minutes. It has 45g of carbs per serving, making it a filling meal. The mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and pasta is perfect.

This Italian dressing pasta salad is also very versatile. You can add your favorite veggies or cheese. Try using red bell peppers or zucchini, or goat cheese instead of feta. The options are endless!

Stay tuned as I show you how to make this delightful cucumber tomato pasta salad. It’s a dish that will become a favorite in your summer recipe collection.

Why This Mediterranean-Style Pasta Salad Will Become Your Go-To Summer Dish

I’m excited to share why this mediterranean pasta salad is perfect for your summer menu. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional cold pasta dishes. It’s sure to please everyone at your next gathering.

Perfect for Picnics and Potlucks

This easy potluck recipe is a winner for outdoor events. It travels well and stays fresh for hours. It’s ideal for picnic salads. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip it up quickly before heading out.

A Versatile Side Dish or Light Meal

This healthy pasta recipe works as both a side and a main course. It’s filled with fresh veggies and protein-rich chickpeas. It’s filling enough to stand alone. The recipe serves 4-6 people, making it great for families or small gatherings.

Budget-Friendly and Time-Saving Option

Using simple ingredients like pasta, tomatoes, and cucumbers, this salad is easy on the wallet. It’s also a time-saver, with a total preparation time of just 20 minutes. Plus, it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	292 kcal
Carbohydrates	35 g
Protein	8 g
Total Fat	13 g
Fiber	3 g

With its crowd-pleasing flavors and impressive 4.78 rating from user votes, this mediterranean pasta salad is set to become your new favorite summer dish. It’s the perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and convenience for those warm sunny days.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Pasta Salad

I’m excited to share the key components for creating a delicious cucumber tomato pasta salad. This dish is perfect for vegetarian meal prep. It can be easily customized to your taste preferences.

Choosing the Right Pasta Shape

For this recipe, I recommend using 8 ounces of mini penne or regular penne pasta. The shape helps the dressing cling to each piece. This ensures flavor in every bite. Cook the pasta in a large pot, then drain and rinse to cool it down quickly.

Fresh Produce Selection Tips

The star ingredients are 4 cups of halved grape or cherry tomatoes and 2 cups of chopped cucumbers. For added flavor and crunch, include 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley bring a burst of freshness to the pasta toss.

Dressing Components and Alternatives

Create a simple dressing with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. For a creamy twist, add fresh mozzarella to your pasta salad. If you prefer a store-bought option, start with 1 cup of Italian-style dressing.

Ingredient	Quantity
Mini Penne Pasta	8 ounces
Cherry Tomatoes	4 cups
Cucumbers	2 cups
Red Onion	1/4 cup
Olive Oil	1/2 cup
Red Wine Vinegar	1/4 cup

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Let’s make this tasty tomato cucumber pasta salad. It’s great as a side dish or a light lunch. It’s refreshing and filling.

First, boil a big pot of water with a bit of salt. Put in ½ pound of pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Then, drain and rinse the pasta in cold water.

While the pasta cools, get your veggies ready. Cut 1 pound of tomatoes and 1 pound of cucumbers. Slice ½ cup of Kalamata olives and chop some red onion finely.

In a big bowl, mix the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and onion. Pour Italian dressing over it and toss gently.

Add ½ cup of feta cheese for creaminess. If you want more, add 2 to 3 diced avocados.

Chill the salad for at least 4 hours. This way, the flavors mix well. It makes 6 servings and keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	427 kcal	–
Carbohydrates	31 g	10%
Protein	7 g	14%
Fat	32 g	49%
Fiber	6 g	24%

This pasta salad is tasty and healthy. It’s full of vitamins and minerals. It’s a good choice for any meal.

Making the Creamy Italian Dressing From Scratch

Making homemade creamy Italian dressing is simple and quick, taking about 15 minutes. It’s a great match for pasta salads with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and bell peppers.

Base Ingredients for the Dressing

The base of our creamy Italian dressing includes:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2-3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar

These ingredients make a smooth, tangy base. It goes well with fresh veggies and al dente pasta in your salad.

Herbs and Seasonings

To add more flavor, we’ll use:

• 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1-2 cloves minced garlic
• Pinch of salt and pepper

These herbs and spices give the dressing a unique Italian taste. It’s perfect for dressing cherry tomatoes and crisp veggies.

Mixing and Storage Tips

Put all ingredients in a bowl and whisk for about 1 minute until smooth. For the best taste, make the dressing 2-5 hours before serving. Store any leftover in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

This homemade dressing makes your pasta salad even better. It brings together fresh produce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a versatile addition that turns simple ingredients into a tasty summer dish.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor

Making the perfect cucumber pasta salad needs careful attention. I use a large bowl to mix everything well. For the best results, cook pasta for 10 minutes and then cool it fast. This keeps the pasta just right, not too soft.

When making pasta salad with cucumbers and tomatoes, I slice cucumbers thinly and halve cherry tomatoes. This makes each bite balanced. I use 1 cup of cucumbers and 1 pint of tomatoes for every 1 & 1/2 cups of pasta.

For the best flavor, I chill the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This lets the flavors mix well. Just before serving, I take it out of the fridge for 10-15 minutes. A quick toss helps the dressing spread evenly.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Olive Oil	3/4 cup	Dressing base
Fresh Parsley	2 tbsp	Garnish
Black Pepper	1/2 tsp	Seasoning
Salt	1 tbsp	Pasta water

This cucumber tomato pasta salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. But, it’s best not to freeze it. Following these tips will make your salad always taste great and fresh.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Pasta salad with tomatoes and cucumbers is great for making ahead. I’ll share tips on how to store and refresh this tasty summer dish.

Proper Storage Methods

To keep your pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This stops it from picking up other smells and keeps it crunchy. For the best taste, chill the salad for 8 to 12 hours before serving.

How Long It Lasts

This pasta salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored right. It makes about 5 servings, with each serving having about 342 calories. Here’s what you get per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Carbohydrates	49g
Protein	21g
Fat	10g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g

Refreshing Leftover Pasta Salad

To make leftover pasta salad fresh again, add some dressing or lemon juice. This brings back the bright flavors. Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley also helps. For a protein boost, try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Pasta salad with tomatoes and cucumbers is very flexible. You can make it ahead and keep it for up to 24 hours. It’s perfect for meal prep or summer parties.

Conclusion

I’ve shared my favorite pasta salad recipe, perfect for summer. It mixes cucumbers’ crunch with tomatoes’ sweetness in a creamy dressing. You can also add NatureSweet Sunbursts, Cherubs tomatoes, or Earthbound Organics Kale Italia mix for extra flavor.

This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Whole-grain pasta gives you fiber and energy. Cucumbers add hydration and texture. Tomatoes bring vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene.

For more health benefits, try adding feta cheese for calcium and protein. Or fresh basil for vitamin K. Remember, cooking pasta al dente keeps it from getting soggy. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. This makes the pasta salad a great make-ahead option. I hope you’ll try this recipe and enjoy its fresh, Mediterranean taste all summer!

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