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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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I remember the first time I tried a variation of this salad. It was at a backyard BBQ, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much. Pasta salad? Fine. Watermelon? Okay. But the combination? It blew me away! The sweetness of the watermelon against the cool cucumber, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a tangy dressing... it's an absolute winner. So, I’ve tweaked and perfected a version of my own, and I am excited to share it with you.
This salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue, pack it for a picnic, or simply enjoy it as a light lunch. I even snuck a bowl while working on this blog—don't tell anyone! Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and prep time. The key is using high-quality ingredients; fresh, ripe watermelon and crisp cucumbers make all the difference. And feel free to experiment with the dressing to suit your taste—a little extra lime juice never hurts!
Required Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Pasta Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Pasta Salad
This Watermelon Cucumber Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days. Combining sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, and al dente pasta, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne work great) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it; slightly firm pasta holds up better in the salad. I always set a timer just to be sure.
- Rinse and Cool the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it immediately. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This step is crucial for preventing the pasta from becoming mushy. Set the pasta aside to cool completely while you prepare the other ingredients. Don't rush this!
- Prepare the Watermelon and Cucumber: While the pasta cools, dice the watermelon and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Aim for roughly the same size so they mix well. I like to remove the seeds from the cucumber for a smoother texture, but that's optional.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooled pasta, diced watermelon, and cucumber. Be careful not to crush the watermelon; its delicate nature needs a gentle touch.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), minced fresh mint, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra lime juice can brighten the flavor!
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece gets a little love. Be careful not to overdress it; you want the salad to be flavorful, not soggy.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. However, it's also delicious if you are in a hurry and enjoy it immediately.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and aroma. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese or a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor if you're feeling fancy.
📝 Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 30 mg
