Description
This refreshing Cucumber Pasta Salad features al dente rotini tossed with crisp sliced cucumbers and onions, all coated in a creamy, dairy-free coconut milk dressing flavored with fresh dill and Dijon mustard. Perfect for a light side dish or potluck favorite, this salad combines cool textures and bright flavors that are both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 16 oz. rotini pasta
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers (about 1/8” thick)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing
- 1 (13.5 oz.) can coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped dill + more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and immediately drizzle with a little olive oil along with a pinch or two of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss to coat the noodles evenly and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the canned coconut milk, white wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and several generous pinches of salt and cracked pepper until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta along with the sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl or platter, garnish with additional fresh dill on top, and serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dish.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving so the dressing can meld.
- You can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or farfalle.
- This salad is dairy-free and naturally vegan due to the coconut milk dressing.
- Add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and crunch.
- Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or vinegar to taste before serving.
