Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad: Easy & Fresh (Print Version)
Whip up this vibrant Green Goddess Pasta Salad! Creamy, herb-packed, and so easy. Perfect for lunch or a potluck. A fresh favorite you'll crave.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta & Fresh Vegetables
01 -
12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
02 -
1 large English cucumber, diced
03 -
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
04 -
1/4 small red onion, very finely minced
→ Green Goddess Dressing Essentials
05 -
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
06 -
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, packed
07 -
1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
08 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
10 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise (good quality)
11 -
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
12 -
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
→ Seasonings
13 -
Salt, to taste
14 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get a big pot of water boiling for your pasta. Don't forget to salt the water generously – I always say it should taste like the ocean! This is where the pasta gets its first layer of flavor, and honestly, if you skip this step, the whole dish falls flat. Cook it according to package directions until it's al dente; we don't want mushy pasta here, it'll just turn into a sad blob in your Green Goddess Pasta Salad. Once done, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This is crucial for a cold pasta salad!
02 -
While your pasta is doing its thing, let's make the star of the show! In your food processor, combine the fresh basil, parsley, chives, garlic, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, mayo, and Greek yogurt. Pulse until it's beautifully smooth and vibrant green. You might need to scrape down the sides a few times – I always do! Taste it, and adjust the salt and pepper. This is where you make it *yours*. If it's too thick, a tiny splash of water or milk can loosen it up. I once tried to rush this and ended up with chunky dressing, oops! This Green Goddess dressing needs to be silky.
03 -
Now for the fresh crunch! Dice your cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Halve your cherry tomatoes. Finely mince that red onion. The smaller you cut everything, the better it distributes throughout the Green Goddess Pasta Salad, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. I often get a little carried away and start snacking on the tomatoes – they're just too good! This step adds so much texture and visual appeal to the dish.
04 -
In a large bowl, gently combine your cooled pasta, the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and minced red onion. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This is where the colors really start to pop! I love seeing all the vibrant greens and reds coming together. Don't be afraid to use your hands if you need to, just make sure they're clean, of course! You're building the foundation for your delicious Green Goddess Pasta Salad here.
05 -
Pour that glorious Green Goddess dressing over the pasta and veggies. Now, gently toss everything together until every single piece of pasta and every veggie is coated in that creamy, herby goodness. Be gentle so you don't mash the pasta or break up the tomatoes. I usually grab a couple of spatulas for this to really get in there without being too rough. It's such a satisfying sight, watching it transform from separate components into a cohesive, flavorful Green Goddess Pasta Salad!
06 -
This is arguably the hardest step: patience! Cover your bowl and pop the Green Goddess Pasta Salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld and deepen. Honestly, it tastes so much better when it's had time to chill. When you're ready to serve, give it another gentle toss. Sometimes I'll add a little extra fresh black pepper or a sprinkle of chives right before serving. Enjoy that fresh, vibrant taste!
# Notes:
01 -
Always salt your pasta water generously – it's the first layer of flavor!
02 -
This Green Goddess Pasta Salad tastes even better the next day, so it's a meal-prep dream.
03 -
Try adding a teaspoon of anchovy paste to the dressing for an authentic, deeper flavor.
04 -
Serving with grilled chicken or salmon makes it a complete, satisfying meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
food processor
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
cutting board
05 -
knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 8 g