Save to Pinterest Experience the ultimate freshness with this Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad. A vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender short pasta, crisp cucumbers, and a bounty of fresh herbs, all tossed in a luscious avocado-yogurt green goddess dressing. Whether you are prepping for a picnic, a busy weekday lunch, or a summer potluck, this salad brings a bright, zesty flair to any table.
Save to Pinterest The star of the show is the homemade Green Goddess dressing. By blending ripe avocado with Greek yogurt and lemon juice, you create a velvety base that is both healthy and flavorful. Freshly chopped parsley, chives, and basil provide layers of aromatic depth, making every bite of this pasta salad feel like a garden-fresh delight.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 250 g (9 oz) short pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne), salt for boiling water.
- Vegetables & Herbs: 1 medium cucumber (diced), 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach (roughly chopped), 50 g (1/2 cup) fresh parsley (chopped), 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh chives (chopped), 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh basil (chopped).
- Green Goddess Dressing: 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted), 120 g (1/2 cup) plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 garlic clove (minced), 1–2 tbsp water, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing
- While the pasta is cooking, in a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, spinach, parsley, chives, and basil.
- Toss and Season
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve or Chill
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld. Garnish with extra herbs before serving, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, always rinse your pasta under cold water after draining. This stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from sticking together or absorbing too much dressing. When blending the dressing, start with one tablespoon of water and add more only if necessary to reach your preferred thickness.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly customizable! For added protein, toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or diced hard-boiled eggs. If you are following a vegan diet, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. You can also add more crunch by including vegetables like sugar snap peas or thinly sliced radishes.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this pasta salad as a light lunch on its own or as a refreshing side dish for grilled fish or chicken. It is best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation to keep the herbs bright and the avocado dressing fresh. For a final touch, sprinkle a few extra basil leaves or a crack of black pepper on top just before serving.
Save to Pinterest With its cooling cucumber and zesty herbal notes, this Green Goddess Pasta Salad is sure to become a summer favorite. It captures the essence of healthy, vibrant eating in one simple, delicious bowl. Enjoy the crisp textures and the creamy finish of this effortless American classic.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make green goddess pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 2 hours before serving. Store it refrigerated and toss gently before serving. For longer storage, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to maintain the pasta's texture.
- → What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or penne are ideal because their curves and ridges hold the creamy dressing well. Cook until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- → How can I add protein to this pasta salad?
Grilled chicken breast, chickpeas, or diced hard-boiled eggs make excellent protein additions. For plant-based options, try white beans, tofu cubes, or edamame. Add about 1 cup of your chosen protein when tossing the salad.
- → Can I make the green goddess dressing vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute the Greek yogurt with an unsweetened plant-based yogurt made from coconut, almond, or soy. The avocado provides enough creaminess that the texture remains virtually identical to the original version.
- → How long does this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for 2-3 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing as it sits, so you might need to refresh with a splash of lemon juice or olive oil before serving leftovers.
- → What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Sugar snap peas, radishes, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots all add wonderful crunch and color. For a heartier version, try adding roasted broccoli or blanched green beans.