This Easy Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy green dressing. It’s a fun and tasty way to get your greens!
Making this salad is a breeze! Just cook the pasta, chop your favorite veggies, and mix everything with that delicious dressing. It’s perfect for lunch or a picnic. 🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Shell pasta is a fun choice for this salad, but you can switch it up! Bowtie, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta will work well too. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free pasta variety.
Green Peas: Fresh peas are great if you have them, but frozen peas save time and are just as tasty. You can also substitute with edamame for a different twist!
Asparagus: For a quick swap, try using broccoli or snap peas. Both will add a nice crunch and are delicious when lightly blanched.
Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley give this dressing a bright flavor. If you’re short on fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs but reduce the amount because they tend to have stronger flavors.
Mayonnaise & Yogurt: If you want a lighter option, use all Greek yogurt or try avocado for a creamy texture and added nutrients. Vegan mayo can also substitute the regular mayo for a plant-based version.
How Do You Make Creamy Green Goddess Dressing?
Creating a creamy Green Goddess dressing is super easy and a highlight of this salad. The key is blending fresh ingredients until smooth, which provides great flavor.
- Combine spinach (or greens), basil, parsley, mayonnaise, yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, garlic, and vinegar in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of olive oil or water.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can adjust the flavor by adding more herbs or lemon juice if you like it tangier!
Take your time blending for the best texture. You want it creamy yet pourable to coat the pasta evenly. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz shell pasta (conchiglie)
- 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
- 1 cup asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens (for the dressing)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (optional, to thin dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time, with an additional 30 minutes to chill. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes prepping and waiting for the salad to fully blend its delicious flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta and Vegetables:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shell pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When you have about 2 minutes left, toss in the asparagus and peas to blanch them. Once everything is cooked, drain the pasta and veggies, then rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
2. Making the Green Goddess Dressing:
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh spinach (or other mixed greens), basil, parsley, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, garlic clove, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. If it feels too thick, add a little olive oil or water to thin it out until you achieve your desired consistency.
3. Mixing the Salad:
Grab a large bowl and mix together the cooled pasta, blanched peas and asparagus, sliced onion, and green olives if you choose to use them. This colorful mix will form the base of your salad.
4. Combining and Tossing:
Pour the Green Goddess dressing over the pasta and vegetables in the bowl. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. This is where the magic happens!
5. Adjusting Seasoning and Chilling:
Give your salad a taste and feel free to adjust the seasoning. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a splash more lemon juice for extra zing. Once happy, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Serving:
After chilling, your Easy Green Goddess Pasta Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s the perfect light lunch or a delightful side dish for any gathering!
Now you’re all set to impress your friends and family with this vibrant and delicious salad packed with flavor and nutrition!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While shell pasta works great, you can easily substitute it with bowtie, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose!
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
Feel free to get creative! You can add other veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even arugula. If you don’t have asparagus, broccoli or snap peas are excellent alternatives that taste great in this salad.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some dressing, so you can add a little more dressing before serving if needed!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the Green Goddess dressing a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before mixing it with the pasta and vegetables when you’re ready to serve.
