Creamy Lemon Dill Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Summer Side!

Bright, creamy, and ultra-refreshing—this pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, and make-ahead lunches. Zesty lemon and fresh dill keep it light, while a silky dressing brings everything together.

 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Pasta Salad

• 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 1 cup English cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup celery, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
• Optional add-ins: ½ cup peas, sweet corn, or diced bell pepper

Creamy Lemon Dill Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise (or ½ mayo + ½ Greek yogurt for lighter version)
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 3–4 tbsp fresh lemon juice (to taste)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• ½ tsp sugar or honey (optional, balances acidity)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2–3 tbsp milk or pasta water (to loosen, as needed)

 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
2. Whisk the dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayo, lemon zest and juice, Dijon, garlic, sweetener (if using), salt, and pepper. Thin with milk or reserved pasta water until creamy but pourable.
3. Assemble: Add cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, celery, and dill to the bowl.
4. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

 Variations & Add-Ins

• Protein boost: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
• Extra crunch: Sliced radishes or toasted seeds
• Herb swap: Try parsley or chives with (or instead of) dill
• Vegan: Use vegan mayo or cashew-based dressing

 Nut & Allergy Information

• Nut-free as written
• Contains gluten & dairy (optional) — use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free mayo/yogurt if needed
• If adding nuts/seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds), label clearly for guests

 Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make up to 24 hours ahead. Stir before serving and add a splash of lemon juice or milk if it thickens.

Q: Why rinse the pasta?
A: It cools the pasta quickly and prevents it from absorbing too much dressing.

Q: Can I reduce calories?
A: Use half mayo + half Greek yogurt, and add extra lemon for flavor.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: 3–4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

 Serving Ideas

Perfect alongside grilled meats, burgers, seafood, or as a stand-alone light lunch.

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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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