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- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (fusilli or rotini recommended) - 1 large cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 bell pepper, diced (choose your favorite color for variety) - ½ red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup corn (use fresh, canned, or frozen, based on availability) - ½ cup black olives, sliced - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped The base of this salad starts with whole wheat pasta. It gives a hearty feel to your dish. I suggest using fusilli or rotini. They hold the dressing and flavors well. Next, we add fresh vegetables. The diced cucumber adds crunch and freshness. Halved cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. You can pick any bell pepper you like. I love the bright colors they add to the dish. Finely chopped red onion gives a nice bite. Corn adds a sweet element, while black olives bring a savory flavor. Finally, fresh dill adds a pop of herbaceous goodness. - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste The dressing is simple yet full of flavor. I use extra virgin olive oil for richness. Fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish. It gives a zesty kick that balances the pasta and veggies. Don't forget salt and black pepper. They enhance all the flavors. Adjust these to your taste as you mix everything together. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta, like fusilli or rotini. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. When it's ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process. Set the drained pasta aside to cool. While the pasta cools, grab a large mixing bowl. Dice 1 large cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Dice 1 bell pepper in your favorite color. Finely chop ½ red onion. Add 1 cup of corn, which can be fresh, canned, or frozen. Slice ½ cup of black olives. Finally, finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill. Toss all the vegetables gently to mix them well. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the mixed vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Using a spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if it needs a boost. For the best flavor, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the salad refreshing. When serving, you can use a large bowl or individual portions. For a pretty touch, garnish with extra dill and a few slices of cucumber on top. This makes for an appealing and inviting dish! To get the best texture, cook the pasta to al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. It will soak up flavors well without becoming mushy. After cooking, rinse the pasta in cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly. For the best taste, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. Start with salt and pepper, then add more if needed. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. A pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick. Experiment with these additions to make the salad your own. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. This leads to a mushy salad, which is not what you want. Pay close attention to the cooking time. Another mistake is skipping the chilling step. Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld and improves the overall taste. Always remember to cover it well to keep it fresh. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and is more nutritious than regular pasta. Fusilli or rotini are great choices because their shapes hold the dressing and ingredients well. Prep Vegetables Ahead: To save time, you can chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. Just keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad. Experiment with Herbs: While dill is a fantastic addition, feel free to mix in other fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro to enhance the salad's flavor profile. Make it a Meal: To turn this salad into a heartier dish, consider adding protein sources like chickpeas, tofu, or quinoa for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. {{image_4}} You can swap out whole wheat pasta for gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice or quinoa. This makes the salad fit for those with gluten issues. You can also add vegan cheese. Try crumbled tofu or chickpeas for extra protein. Seasonal veggies make this salad shine. In summer, add fresh zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash. Always choose what is fresh and local to boost flavor and nutrition. For dressings, try different flavors. Italian dressing can add a zesty kick. Balsamic adds a sweet tang. You can also mix in fruits. Avocado adds creaminess. Citrus, like orange or lime, brings a fresh zest. To keep your Vegan Cucumber Pasta Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. It lasts about 3 to 5 days. Use an airtight container to keep it safe from other odors. Make sure to seal the lid tightly to maintain its crispness and flavor. You can get creative with leftover pasta salad. Try it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. You can also serve it on a bed of greens for a quick lunch. If you like, warm it slightly and add a drizzle of your favorite sauce for a new twist. The next day, enjoy it cold or at room temperature for a tasty meal! Vegan Cucumber Pasta Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed container. The flavors will blend and taste even better over time. Yes, you can make this pasta salad in advance. It tastes great after chilling for at least 30 minutes. Prepare it up to a day ahead for the best results. If you don’t have dill, try using parsley or basil. Both herbs add a fresh taste to the salad. You can also skip herbs if you prefer a simpler flavor. Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and divide it into portions. It’s easy to grab and go when you need a quick meal. Yes, you can add protein! Chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh work well. Just mix them in with the other ingredients for added nutrition and flavor. To make this salad more filling, add cooked quinoa or lentils. You could also toss in some avocado for healthy fats. These additions will keep you satisfied longer. This vegan cucumber pasta salad is easy to make and full of flavor. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish. Remember to chill the salad for the best taste. Feel free to get creative with variations and enjoy fresh options. This salad keeps well in the fridge and is great for meal prep. With simple adjustments, you can make it your own and keep it interesting. Whether for a meal or a gathering, this salad shines on any table.

Refreshing Vegan Cucumber Pasta Salad

A light and refreshing pasta salad featuring cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty dressing, perfect for a vegan meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (fusilli or rotini recommended)
  • 1 large cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set the drained pasta aside to cool.
  • While the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, corn, sliced black olives, and freshly chopped dill. Toss gently to mix.
  • In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if desired.
  • Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl containing the mixed vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top, and using a spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for your preference.
  • For optimal flavor, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Serve the salad chilled for a delightful and refreshing meal.

Notes

For optimal flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Keyword cucumber, pasta salad, refreshing, summer dish, vegan