Save to Pinterest The first time I brought this pasta salad to a summer potluck, my friend Sarah actually chased me down before I left to get the recipe. That crunch from the cucumbers against the creamy dressing just hits differently when it is ninety degrees out and everyone is hovering around the picnic table.
Last July I made three batches of this for different backyard gatherings because my family kept requesting it specifically. The bowl always comes home empty, someone inevitably messages me the next day asking if I have any left, and now it is become my go to contribution whenever the invitation says bring a side.
Ingredients
- Small shell pasta: Those little curves catch the dressing and seasoning in every bite
- Salt for pasta water: Salting the water is the only way to season the pasta itself
- English cucumber: Fewer seeds and thinner skin means no peeling required
- Green onions: Mild onion flavor that will not overpower the fresh dill
- Fresh dill: Dried herbs cannot compete with the brightness fresh dill brings here
- Sour cream: Creates that thick creamy base that clings to every shell
- Mayonnaise: Balances the tang of sour cream with just enough richness
- Lemon juice: Cuts through the cream so nothing feels too heavy
- Dijon mustard: Adds depth without making it taste like mustard potato salad
- Garlic: One clove is enough to give it background warmth
- Everything bagel seasoning: This is what makes everyone remember it
Instructions
- Cook the pasta perfectly:
- Boil those shells in salted water until they have that tender bite, then drain and rinse under cold water until the steam is gone. Warm pasta melts the dressing too fast.
- Whisk up the creamy base:
- Combine sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and incorporated.
- Bring it all together:
- Add the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, green onions, and fresh dill to the bowl and gently fold until everything is coated in that creamy dressing.
- Add the magic dust:
- Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the top and fold it in so those sesame and poppy seeds get distributed throughout.
- Give it time:
- Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed, then let it chill for at least thirty minutes so the flavors can settle into each other.
Save to Pinterest My niece who claims to hate anything with mayonnaise went back for thirds at our Labor Day gathering, and that is when I knew this recipe was staying in the permanent rotation.
Making It Your Own
Once you have the base down, this salad welcomes all kinds of additions. I have tossed in diced radishes for extra peppery crunch, bell peppers for sweetness, and even edamame when I want to bulk up the protein. The creamy dressing plays nice with almost anything crisp and fresh.
Getting Ahead
You can prep everything except the seasoning up to a day in advance. Just keep the pasta and dressing separate in the fridge, then toss them together an hour before you need to leave. The pasta actually absorbs flavor better overnight, so this is one of those rare dishes that benefits from some patience.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad holds its own next to grilled meats, burgers, or as part of a bigger spread. I have served it alongside grilled chicken, with smoked salmon on top for brunch, and even as a light lunch with just some crusty bread.
- Bring the seasoning on the side if you are not sure everyone loves the everything bagel flavor
- Keep it chilled on ice during outdoor parties since the dairy dressing needs to stay cool
- Reserve a handful of fresh dill to scatter on top right before serving for that pop of green
Save to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that comes together this quickly yet disappears just as fast at any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually improves after chilling for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days. Make it the night before for maximum convenience.
- → What can I substitute for the everything bagel seasoning?
You can create a similar flavor by mixing poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt. Alternatively, everything bagel seasoning is widely available in most grocery stores' spice aisles.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian. Just ensure your mayonnaise brand doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients, though most commercial mayonnaise is naturally vegetarian-friendly.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Small shapes work best as they hold the dressing well. Try elbows, bow ties, rotini, or small macaroni if you don't have shells. The key is choosing pasta with enough surface area to catch the creamy coating.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente, rinse immediately under cold water to stop cooking, and drain thoroughly. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.