This Easy Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a bright, fresh dish full of flavor. With pasta, veggies, and a creamy green dressing, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
You’ll love how simple it is to make. Just cook the pasta, toss in some greens, and drizzle that tasty dressing. I’m always tempted to go back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using shell pasta for this salad, but any pasta shape you enjoy works great. You could try fusilli, rotini, or even whole wheat options for added fiber.
Herbs: Fresh herbs give this dish a bright flavor. If you can’t find tarragon, fresh basil is a lovely alternative. Feel free to mix herbs based on your preferences!
Dressings: Mayonnaise adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt is lighter and still delicious. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt or avocado for a different flavor and texture. Adjust according to your dietary needs.
How Do I Make a Smooth and Creamy Dressing?
Creating that velvety green goddess dressing is all about blending well! Make sure to use fresh herbs and veggies to achieve a vibrant color and flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Combine parsley, chives, tarragon, spinach, mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic in your blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add olive oil or a splash of water gradually.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors!
With a little care, your dressing will be perfect every time, making your pasta salad irresistibly tasty!
Easy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces shell pasta or your preferred pasta shape
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 cup asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fennel bulb (optional)
- 1/3 cup sliced green olives (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon (or substitute fresh basil)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil as needed to adjust consistency
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Green Goddess Pasta Salad will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of chilling time. Just cook the pasta, make your dressing, mix things together, and let the flavors meld in the fridge. Simple and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook Pasta and Vegetables:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is finished cooking, toss in the asparagus and peas to blanch them. Once done, drain everything and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Make the Green Goddess Dressing:
In a blender or food processor, add the parsley, chives, tarragon, spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic. Blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. If the dressing is too thick for your liking, drizzle in a little olive oil or a teaspoon of water to reach the right consistency. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste!
3. Assemble the Pasta Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched asparagus, peas, sliced fennel, and green olives if you’re using them. Gently fold everything together to mix well.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the green goddess dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a gentle toss again and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your delightful and vibrant pasta salad!
This salad is a perfect meal for warm weather, easy gatherings, or a quick side dish that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch out the asparagus and peas for your favorite veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even broccoli. Just be sure to blanch any tougher vegetables to keep them tender!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives, such as avocado or cashew cream. You can also use plant-based yogurt for a tangy flavor!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! The green goddess dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken up a bit over time.
How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a little more dressing when you serve it again!
