Recipe Information

  • Preparation time: 20 minutes

  • Cooking time: 12 minutes

  • Chilling time: 30 minutes

  • Total time: Approximately 1 hour

  • Servings: 6

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

  • 3 cups dry elbow macaroni or small shell pasta

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 medium cucumber, diced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

  • ½ teaspoon paprika for garnish

For the Creamy Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Fill a large pot with water.

  2. Add a generous pinch of salt.

  3. Bring the water to a boil.

  4. Add macaroni or shell pasta.

  5. Cook according to package directions until tender but slightly firm.

  6. Drain the pasta using a colander.

  7. Rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.

  8. Allow it to drain completely and cool.

Step 2: Boil the Eggs

  1. Place eggs in a saucepan.

  2. Cover with cold water.

  3. Bring to a boil.

  4. Once boiling, cover and turn off the heat.

  5. Let eggs stand for 10–12 minutes.

  6. Transfer to an ice-water bath for 5 minutes.

  7. Peel the eggs carefully.

  8. Slice three eggs and chop the fourth for mixing into the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash the cucumber and cherry tomatoes.

  2. Dice the cucumber into small pieces.

  3. Cut cherry tomatoes in half.

  4. Finely chop the red onion.

  5. Chop fresh dill and parsley.

  6. Set everything aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

  • Mayonnaise

  • Greek yogurt

  • Dijon mustard

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Lemon juice

  • Honey

  • Garlic powder

  • Onion powder

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

Whisk until smooth, creamy, and well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Salad

  1. Place cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl.

  2. Add diced cucumber.

  3. Add cherry tomatoes.

  4. Add chopped red onion.

  5. Add chopped egg.

  6. Sprinkle in fresh dill and parsley.

  7. Pour the creamy dressing over the ingredients.

  8. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Chill the Salad

  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.

  2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

  3. This allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and the flavors to blend.

  4. Before serving, gently stir the salad.

  5. Add a spoonful of mayonnaise or yogurt if it has become too thick.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  1. Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl.

  2. Arrange sliced boiled eggs on top.

  3. Sprinkle with paprika.

  4. Add fresh dill and parsley.

  5. 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
No nuts in the basic recipe

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

  1. Do not overcook the pasta; slightly firm pasta holds its shape better.

  2. Cool pasta completely before adding mayonnaise dressing.

  3. Remove excess moisture from cucumber to prevent watery salad.

  4. Use fresh dill for a wonderful fresh flavor.

  5. Add the dressing gradually until you achieve your preferred creaminess.

  6. Keep the sliced eggs for decoration until just before serving.

  7. For extra tanginess, add a little more Dijon mustard or lemon juice.

Storage Instructions

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

  • Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.

  • Keep refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.

  • Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).

  • Do not freeze because the creamy dressing and vegetables may change texture.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this delicious pasta salad with:

  • Grilled chicken

  • BBQ beef or chicken

  • Garlic bread

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Sandwiches and wraps

  • 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!

By admin

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