This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is fresh and fantastic! With colorful veggies, creamy dressing, and pasta, it’s a perfect dish for any gathering. You’ll want to eat it all!
It’s quick to whip up, and I love how delightful it tastes the next day. Trust me, your friends will be asking for second helpings! Plus, it looks super pretty on the table. 🍝💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Shell pasta is my go-to for this salad because it holds the dressing well. But feel free to swap with rotini, fusilli, or any pasta shape you enjoy.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch, but if out of season, you can use green beans or even broccoli florets instead.
Green Onions: They bring a fresh, mild onion flavor. If you don’t have green onions, regular onions or chives can work too, just use them sparingly for less bite.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and basil give this salad its green goddess flavor. If you can’t find fresh, try a mix of dried herbs like Italian seasoning, but you’ll need less—about a teaspoon of each.
Greek Yogurt: This makes the dressing creamy. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could use a plant-based yogurt or avocado to maintain creaminess.
How Can I Get the Perfect Pasta Texture?
The right pasta texture is essential for a great pasta salad. You want it to be cooked al dente, meaning it should still have a bit of bite. To achieve this, follow these steps:
- Salt the water generously before boiling; this enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Set a timer and taste the pasta a minute or two before the package suggests. It should feel firm but not hard.
- Once drained, rinse the pasta and veggies under cold water immediately. This stops the cooking process and prevents mushiness.
Taking these steps will ensure your pasta salad has the right texture and won’t turn gummy! Enjoy making your salad fresh and delicious.
How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces shell pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, packed
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Green Goddess Pasta Salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You can also chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors mix together nicely, making the total time around 50 minutes if you include chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta and Veggies:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the shell pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. When there are just 2 minutes left on your pasta cooking time, carefully add the asparagus and frozen peas to the pot. After everything is cooked, drain the pasta and veggies, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help keep them from getting mushy!
2. Making the Green Goddess Dressing:
While the pasta and veggies cool, grab your food processor. Add the packed fresh parsley, basil, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Combining Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, asparagus, peas, and sliced green onions. Pour your lovely green goddess dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
4. Serving Your Salad:
You can serve this colorful pasta salad right away for a fresh taste, or for even better flavor, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top if you’d like. Enjoy your refreshing Green Goddess Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While shell pasta works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, farfalle, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
How Do I Thaw Frozen Peas Quickly?
The best way to thaw frozen peas is to run them under warm water in a colander for a few minutes until they’re defrosted. Alternatively, you can add them directly to the boiling pasta during the last couple of minutes of cooking, as the recipe suggests!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! This pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container. The flavors will develop even more overnight, but be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Can I Replace the Greek Yogurt with Something Else?
Sure! If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream for a similar creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter dressing, try using a vinaigrette or simply add more olive oil and lemon juice.
