Save to Pinterest The first time I brought this pasta salad to a summer potluck, my friend Sarah literally hovered over the bowl picking out all the everything bagel seasoning bits with her fork. She claimed she was just helping distribute the seasoning evenly, but I caught her doing it three separate times. After that, I started making double batches because people would request it for every single gathering. Something about that crunchy, savory seasoning mixed with cool cucumbers and creamy dressing makes it absolutely impossible to eat just one serving.
I started making this back when my garden was producing cucumbers faster than I could possibly eat them fresh. One afternoon I was staring at a bowl of diced cucumbers and a box of pasta, wondering what would happen if I just combined them with whatever was in my fridge. The everything bagel seasoning was almost an afterthought, but that sprinkle completely transformed what would have been a decent pasta salad into something genuinely special. Now I make it whenever I need a dish that feels fresh but still substantial enough to stand on its own as a meal.
Ingredients
- Small shell pasta: Those tiny cups are perfect for catching all the creamy dressing and seasoning in every single bite
- Salt for pasta water: Salting the water aggressively is the only way to ensure your pasta itself has flavor from the inside out
- English cucumber: These have thinner skins and fewer seeds, giving you that crisp texture without any watery bitterness
- Green onions: They add a mild onion flavor that won't overpower the delicate dill and fresh cucumber
- Fresh dill: Dried dill works in a pinch, but fresh brings this bright, almost lemony brightness that makes the whole salad sing
- Sour cream: Creates that tangy, creamy base that clings beautifully to the pasta shells
- Mayonnaise: Balances the sour cream with richness and helps the dressing coat everything evenly
- Lemon juice: Cuts through all the creamy elements and keeps each bite feeling light and refreshing
- Dijon mustard: Just enough to give the dressing some backbone without making it taste like mustard
- Garlic: One clove is plenty since it will mellow out as the salad chills in the fridge
- Everything bagel seasoning: The star of the show, adding crunch, saltiness, and that irresistible savory pop in every bite
Instructions
- Get your pasta ready:
- Drop those tiny shells into a big pot of boiling, well-salted water and cook until they are just tender with a slight bite in the center, then drain and rinse under cold water until they are completely cool to the touch.
- Whisk up the creamy dressing:
- In your largest mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, whisking until you have a smooth, glossy mixture that smells tangy and inviting.
- Bring it all together:
- Add your cooled pasta, diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and chopped fresh dill to the bowl, then use a gentle folding motion to coat everything in that luscious dressing without smashing the pasta.
- Add the magic dust:
- Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly over the top and fold it in gently, watching as those sesame seeds and garlic bits get tucked into all the little pasta crevices.
- Give it time to mingle:
- Taste a small bite and adjust the seasoning if it needs anything, then cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all those flavors get friendly with each other.
Save to Pinterest My niece Lily turned her nose up at pasta salad for years until I put this bowl in front of her at a family reunion. She took one bite, her eyes got huge, and she proceeded to ask for thirds. Now whenever I visit, she asks if I am bringing the cucumber pasta, and I have started bringing extra just so there is some left for everyone else after she claims her portion.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I will swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream when I want something a little lighter, and honestly, no one can tell the difference. I have also added diced celery or radishes for extra crunch, especially when I am serving this alongside something soft like grilled fish or sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad holds its own perfectly as a main dish for a light lunch, but it also shines next to grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or even as part of a larger picnic spread. I love serving it in a shallow bowl so people can see all those colorful bits of green cucumber and flecks of seasoning scattered throughout.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two days, though I have definitely eaten it on day three with no complaints. Just keep in mind that the pasta will continue absorbing the dressing, so if you are making it way ahead, you might want to whisk together a tiny bit more dressing to freshen it up before serving.
- If you know you are taking this somewhere, pack the everything bagel seasoning separately and sprinkle it right before serving to maintain that perfect crunch
- Wait to add the green onions until just before serving if you are making this more than a few hours ahead
- Bring the salad to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, as cold pasta dulls the flavors
Save to Pinterest There is something so satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly but still feels special enough for company. This pasta salad has become my go-to for everything from casual weeknight dinners to fancy brunches, and I hope it finds a permanent spot in your rotation too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is excellent for make-ahead dining. Prepare it a few hours before serving and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve as they meld together. It keeps well in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- → What can I add for extra crunch and texture?
Try adding diced celery, radishes, or red bell peppers for additional crunch. You can also mix in nuts like sunflower seeds or walnuts if desired, keeping in mind the allergen considerations.
- → How do I make a lighter version?
Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream in the dressing to create a lighter, protein-boosted version. You can also use low-fat mayonnaise or a combination of both for a healthier alternative.
- → What protein pairs well with this salad?
Grilled chicken breast is a classic pairing. Smoked salmon adds elegant richness, while shrimp or grilled tofu work beautifully for variety. Serve alongside for a complete meal.
- → Can I substitute the fresh dill?
Fresh dill is key to the flavor profile, but you can use fresh chives, tarragon, or a combination of fresh herbs if needed. Adjust quantities to taste, as herb potency varies.
- → Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?
This dish is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta. However, it contains wheat, eggs, dairy, and sesame seeds, so verify allergens based on your dietary needs and ingredient brands.