Save The first time I brought this pasta salad to a neighborhood block party, my friend Sarah actually hunted me down three days later to beg for the recipe. She swore there was some secret ingredient I was hiding, but really it was just that perfect crunch of cucumber against the creamy dressing and the way everything bagel seasoning ties it all together. Now it is the dish everyone requests when the temperatures climb and we are all craving something cool and satisfying.
Last summer I made a huge batch for my sisters baby shower, watching my aunt take three servings before finally asking what that familiar addictive seasoning was. Seeing everyone circled around the outdoor table, plates piled high, laughing between bites while the kids ran through the sprinkler, that moment right there is why this recipe lives in my permanent rotation.
Ingredients
- Small shell pasta: Those little cups are perfect for trapping the creamy dressing and tiny bits of seasoning
- Salt for pasta water: This is your chance to flavor the pasta from the inside out
- English cucumber: Fewer seeds and thinner skin means consistent crunch in every bite
- Green onions: Their mild bite bridges the gap between fresh vegetables and creamy dressing
- Fresh dill: Bright and aromatic, it makes everything taste like summer
- Sour cream: Creates that luxuriously creamy base with just the right tang
- Mayonnaise: Balances the sour cream and helps the dressing cling to every shell
- Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and wakes up all the other flavors
- Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a tiny kick that keeps things interesting
- Garlic: One clove goes a long way in backing up the whole flavor profile
- Everything bagel seasoning: The real hero that makes this salad unforgettable
Instructions
- Get those shells perfectly tender:
- Drop your pasta into a big pot of salted boiling water and cook until it is just right, then drain and rinse under cold water until the steam stops rising.
- Whisk up that dreamy dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Bring it all together:
- Add your cooled pasta, cucumber, green onions, and dill to the dressing, then fold gently until every piece is coated.
- Add the magic:
- Sprinkle in that everything bagel seasoning and fold it through, watching the tiny seeds and salt crystals distribute throughout.
- Let the flavors mingle:
- Taste one last time and adjust anything that needs it, then pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Save My teenage son, who usually turns his nose up at anything with visible herbs, devoured half the bowl while doing homework last week. That is when I knew this recipe was not just for summer parties anymore.
Making It Your Own
I have learned that the beauty of this salad is how well it plays with whatever crunch you have in the crisper drawer. Sometimes I dice up whatever bell peppers are looking sad, other times I throw in some radishes from the farmers market for extra bite.
The Lighter Side
On days when I am feeling the heavy meals from the weekend, I swap out half the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It still delivers that creamy satisfaction but with a little more protein and less guilt.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad shines brightest alongside grilled anything, from simple burgers to cedar planked salmon. I have also learned to always double the recipe if I am taking it anywhere, because people inevitably ask for seconds to take home.
- Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a complete light meal
- Keep a small jar of extra everything bagel seasoning on hand for guests who want to sprinkle more on top
- Bring this to your next potluck and watch it disappear before the main dishes even get touched
Save There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that comes together so quickly yet brings so much joy to a table. I hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually tastes better when chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits.
- → How can I add more crunch?
Dice and fold in half a cup of celery or thinly sliced radishes for additional texture and freshness. You can also add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different crunch element.
- → Is there a lighter version of the dressing?
Absolutely. Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use light mayonnaise to reduce calories and fat. The tangy flavor remains while creating a lighter, protein-rich dressing.
- → What proteins pair well with this?
Grilled chicken breast, smoked salmon, or seared shrimp work wonderfully alongside this salad. You can also add crumbled feta cheese or diced hard-boiled eggs for vegetarian protein options.
- → Can I replace the everything bagel seasoning?
Yes, try za'atar, dukkah, or a homemade blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried onion. You could also use a simple combination of sea salt, black pepper, and toasted seeds for a more subtle topping.