Recipe Information
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Preparation time: 20 minutes
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Cooking time: 12 minutes
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Chilling time: 30 minutes
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Total time: Approximately 1 hour
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Servings: 6
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Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
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3 cups dry elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
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4 large eggs
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1 medium cucumber, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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½ teaspoon paprika for garnish
For the Creamy Dressing
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon honey or sugar
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Fill a large pot with water.
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Add a generous pinch of salt.
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Bring the water to a boil.
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Add macaroni or shell pasta.
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Cook according to package directions until tender but slightly firm.
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Drain the pasta using a colander.
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Rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.
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Allow it to drain completely and cool.
Step 2: Boil the Eggs
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Place eggs in a saucepan.
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Cover with cold water.
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Bring to a boil.
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Once boiling, cover and turn off the heat.
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Let eggs stand for 10–12 minutes.
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Transfer to an ice-water bath for 5 minutes.
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Peel the eggs carefully.
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Slice three eggs and chop the fourth for mixing into the salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
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Wash the cucumber and cherry tomatoes.
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Dice the cucumber into small pieces.
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Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
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Finely chop the red onion.
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Chop fresh dill and parsley.
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Set everything aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
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Mayonnaise
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Greek yogurt
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Dijon mustard
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Apple cider vinegar
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Lemon juice
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Honey
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Salt
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Black pepper
Whisk until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Step 5: Combine the Salad
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Place cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl.
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Add diced cucumber.
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Add cherry tomatoes.
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Add chopped red onion.
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Add chopped egg.
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Sprinkle in fresh dill and parsley.
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Pour the creamy dressing over the ingredients.
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Gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill the Salad
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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This allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and the flavors to blend.
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Before serving, gently stir the salad.
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Add a spoonful of mayonnaise or yogurt if it has become too thick.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
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Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl.
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Arrange sliced boiled eggs on top.
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Sprinkle with paprika.
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Add fresh dill and parsley.
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Finish with freshly ground black pepper.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Nut Information (Q/S)
| Nut Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Almonds | 0 g |
| Walnuts | 0 g |
| Cashews | 0 g |
| Pecans | 0 g |
| Peanuts | 0 g |
| Pistachios | 0 g |
| Hazelnuts | 0 g |
Allergy information: Contains eggs, dairy, gluten, and possibly mustard. Check mayonnaise, mustard, and packaged ingredients for nut cross-contact if serving someone with a nut allergy.
Helpful Cooking Tips
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Do not overcook the pasta; slightly firm pasta holds its shape better.
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Cool pasta completely before adding mayonnaise dressing.
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Remove excess moisture from cucumber to prevent watery salad.
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Use fresh dill for a wonderful fresh flavor.
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Add the dressing gradually until you achieve your preferred creaminess.
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Keep the sliced eggs for decoration until just before serving.
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For extra tanginess, add a little more Dijon mustard or lemon juice.
Storage Instructions
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
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Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
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Do not freeze because the creamy dressing and vegetables may change texture.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this delicious pasta salad with:
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Grilled chicken
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BBQ beef or chicken
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Garlic bread
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Roasted vegetables
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Sandwiches and wraps
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Grilled fish
Final Result: A beautiful, creamy and colorful pasta salad loaded with tender pasta, boiled eggs, crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a delicious tangy dressing. Every bite is creamy, refreshing, and satisfying!
