Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant, dairy-free summer dish that has become my go-to for quick meals. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and a creamy avocado herb dressing, it’s the ultimate comfort food for warm days. This refreshing salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or light lunches. The delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a healthy yet filling option.
Why You’ll Love This Green Goddess Pasta Salad
There are numerous reasons to adore this Green Goddess Pasta Salad recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish. Secondly, it’s packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh veggies like cucumber, snap peas, and broccoli, making it a healthy Green Goddess Pasta Salad. You’ll also enjoy its creamy avocado dressing that ties all the flavors together, making every bite delicious. Additionally, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for those following a plant-based diet. Lastly, it’s versatile—you can customize it to your liking, adding your favorite proteins or grains!
Ingredients for Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Gather these items:
- 12 ounces short pasta (regular or gluten free)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup snap peas, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2–4 tablespoons water (to thin)
How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking.
- Step 2: Chop cucumber, snap peas, broccoli, green onions, parsley, and basil. Add to a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3: In a blender, combine avocado, cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, nutritional yeast, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Step 4: Add cooled pasta to the vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure your pasta is cooked al dente to maintain its texture in the salad.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in your dressing.
- Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- This salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Mix and blend the dressing thoroughly for a creamy consistency.
Best Ways to Serve Green Goddess Pasta Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a main dish or a side. It’s ideal for summer picnics, where you can offer it alongside grilled vegetables or other salads. For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken or a mix of roasted vegetables. Pair it with a refreshing drink to elevate your outdoor dining experience!
How to Store and Reheat Green Goddess Pasta Salad
To store your Green Goddess Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits. For meal prep, consider portioning it out for easy grab-and-go lunches. If you prefer it chilled, enjoy it straight from the fridge!
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Goddess Pasta Salad
What’s the secret to perfect Green Goddess Pasta Salad?
The secret lies in the freshness of ingredients and the creaminess of the avocado dressing. Ensure you blend the dressing until smooth for a perfect coating on your pasta and veggies.
Can I make Green Goddess Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after sitting for a while. Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge for enhanced flavors.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Green Goddess Pasta Salad?
To avoid mushy pasta, make sure to cook it al dente. Additionally, using fresh herbs and vegetables will elevate the taste and overall freshness of the dish.
Variations of Green Goddess Pasta Salad You Can Try
If you want to mix things up, consider these variations: add grilled chicken for a Green Goddess Pasta Salad with chicken, incorporate roasted veggies for added depth, or swap in quinoa for a gluten-free option. You can also experiment with different herbs to create your own homemade Green Goddess Pasta Salad dressing. Each variation provides a new twist on this classic salad!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or try making Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for a refreshing twist. If you’re interested in more pasta dishes, Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil is another quick and tasty option!
PrintGreen Goddess Pasta Salad: 20 Minutes to Freshness
Fresh & Flavorful 20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant, dairy-free summer dish packed with crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and a creamy avocado herb dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short pasta (regular or gluten free)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup snap peas, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2–4 tablespoons water (to thin)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop cooking.
- Chop cucumber, snap peas, broccoli, green onions, parsley, and basil. Add to a large mixing bowl.
- In a blender, combine avocado, cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, nutritional yeast, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Add cooled pasta to the vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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