Noodle Salad

A cool, refreshing pasta salad made with tender shell noodles, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a simple mayo‑Italian dressing.

A Cool, Creamy Pasta Salad Made with Simple Ingredients

This easy shell pasta salad comes together with just a few fresh vegetables and a quick mayo‑Italian dressing. It’s crisp, creamy, refreshing, and perfect for warm‑weather meals or make‑ahead lunches.

Sometimes you just want a cool, refreshing pasta salad, something that's easy, familiar, and made with just a handful of ingredients you already have on hand. This simple noodle salad is exactly that kind of recipe.

It’s built on small shell pasta, crisp cucumber, and juicy tomato, all tossed in a no‑fuss dressing of mayonnaise and Italian dressing. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just a bright, creamy, everyday pasta salad that tastes like summer.

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I’ll be honest: cucumbers aren’t usually my favorite in pasta salads, but they really shine here.

When it comes to cucumbers, I prefer mini cucumbers most of the year - they stay flavorful even when the larger varieties are bland or watery. Peeled or unpeeled both work beautifully; if you keep the peel on, just give them a good wash because that pop of green adds such nice color.

As for the pasta, I’ve tried several short‑cut shapes, but small shells are the winner. They hold onto the dressing and catch little bits of veggies in all their tiny pockets, giving you the perfect bite every time.

The mix of mayo and Italian dressing is just the right touch here and I’ve tested this with Zesty Italian, Creamy Italian, and even a mix of the two, and every version was delicious.

This is the kind of easy, flavorful pasta salad that fits right in at a casual meal, a potluck, or a simple lunch at home.

Here’s what you’ll need to make my Noodle Salad:

• 1 (7 ounce) bag small shell noodles
• 1 medium or 2 mini cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled and diced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet, yellow or purple onion
• 1/4 cup real mayonnaise, or to taste
• 1/4 cup homemade or bottled Creamy or Zesty Italian Dressing, or to taste (I used Imo's House - creamy dressing)
• 1/4 teaspoon each black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Creole/Cajun seasoning, or to taste
• 1 cup shredded imitation crab, optional

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s cool, creamy, and refreshing. Perfect for warm‑weather meals, potlucks, or easy lunches.

• Simple ingredients you already have. Shell pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a quick mayo‑Italian dressing.

• Comes together fast. Minimal chopping, no fancy steps, and ready in minutes.

• Flexible and customizable. Add imitation crab (highly recommended), swap dressings, or toss in extra veggies.

• Even better chilled. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests in the fridge.

• Budget‑friendly and family‑friendly. A classic, comforting pasta salad everyone recognizes and enjoys.

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I typically use a little onion powder and garlic powder along with salt and pepper and a little Cajun or Creole seasoning to season this simple salad. Sometimes I use a salt, pepper, garlic blend, like Kinder's The Blend (#ad), but I recently ran across this brand new Dan-O's SPG Tri-O blend (#ad) and used it the last time I made this. This blend is a step above the usual SPG, using two types of salt, black pepper, and three kinds of garlic. Y'all ought to give this one a try, so good!

On the Italian dressing, I've used both this Imo's Pizza creamy House Italian as well as a Zesty Italian dressing (#ad), and often, a little of both!

This noodle salad is so simple. Just add the noodles, cucumber, tomato, mayonnaise and Italian dressing. Add the seasonings and give it a toss.

Now. This part was an afterthought, but it turned out to be a very good afterthought! 

I happened to have a big pack of imitation crab in the fridge. Yes. Even though I grew up around an abundance of fresh seafood all of my life, I'm one of those people who love imitation crab too. Anyway, I had picked some up to make those crab salad sandwiches I love, with enough leftovers for a planned dip, so I thought I'd pluck some off and add to this simple noodle salad and wow, it was fantastic. I think it adds the loveliest sweetness and texture - and though totally optional, I think it makes the salad even better.

You'll want about a cup shredded and chopped. Leave some texture to it.
 

Add that to the noodles.

Give it a mix, cover and refrigerate for a few hours to let all the flavors get acquainted.

When ready to serve, toss with a little extra dressing if needed to freshen and loosen, then transfer to your serving bowl.

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple ingredients, big flavor. Mayo and Italian dressing create a creamy‑bright balance without fuss.
• Shell pasta holds everything. Those little pockets catch the dressing and veggies for perfect bites.
• Cucumbers add crisp freshness. Especially mini cucumbers - they stay flavorful and crunchy.
• Imitation crab adds sweetness and texture. It turns a basic pasta salad into something special.
• Make‑ahead friendly. The flavors meld as it chills, making it ideal for potlucks and easy meals.
• Flexible and forgiving. Adjust the dressing, seasoning, and add‑ins to suit your taste or pantry.

Variations & Add‑Ins

• Add more veggies: Bell pepper, celery, or sweet corn all work beautifully.
• Swap the pasta: Rotini, elbows, or ditalini keep the same easy, scoopable feel.
• Try different dressings: Zesty Italian for brightness, Creamy Italian for richness, or a mix of both.
• Make it protein‑packed: Imitation crab (highly recommended), diced ham, or chopped rotisserie chicken.
• Add a little heat: Include the Cajun or Creole seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes to wake it right up.
• Brighten it up: A squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of pickle juice adds a fresh tang.

What to Serve With This Pasta Salad

• Grilled chicken or pork chops - the cool, creamy pasta balances smoky, savory meats beautifully.
• Fried or baked fish - especially catfish, tilapia, or your Gulf Coast favorites.
• Shrimp boil leftovers - this salad is a natural fit alongside chilled shrimp.
• Sandwiches or sliders - ham, turkey, chicken salad, or even a BLT.
• Summer cookout plates - burgers, hot dogs, ribs, or anything off the grill.
• Fresh fruit - watermelon, cantaloupe, or a simple berry bowl for a light, bright side.

Make‑Ahead & Storage Tips

• Best made 1 to 4 hours ahead. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills.
• Freshen before serving. Add a splash of Italian dressing and a pinch of salt to wake it up.
• Store up to 3 days. Keep tightly covered in the fridge.
• If adding imitation crab: It holds up well but stir gently when refreshing the salad.
• Avoid freezing. The cucumbers and dressing don’t thaw well.
• If prepping ahead: Dice the cucumbers and tomatoes the day you plan to serve for the best texture.

Notes & Helpful Tips

• Use small shells for the best texture. Their little pockets hold onto the dressing and tiny bits of veggies, giving you the perfect bite every time.
• Mini cucumbers work best. They stay crisp and flavorful even when larger cucumbers are bland or watery. Peel or don’t — just wash well if leaving the skin on.
• Imitation crab is a sleeper hit. It adds sweetness, protein, and a little seafood flair that pairs beautifully with the creamy Italian dressing.
• Adjust the dressing to taste. Add more mayo for creaminess or more Italian dressing for brightness. A splash before serving freshens leftovers.
• Chill for the best flavor. The salad is good right away, but even better after an hour in the fridge.
• Season generously. Pasta absorbs flavor as it chills, so don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and Italian dressing.

More Pasta Salads You Might Enjoy!

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Cold Spaghetti Salad with Shrimp
Seafood Pasta Salad

I hope this simple little pasta salad finds a spot in your warm‑weather rotation. It’s the kind of easy, everyday recipe that feels comforting without being heavy. It's perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or those evenings when you just want something cool and satisfying.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how you customize it in your own kitchen.

For more of my favorite pasta salads, check out this collection on my Pinterest page!

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