This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is the perfect way to enjoy fresh, vibrant vegetables and pasta tossed in a creamy herb-infused dressing. The green beans, cucumber, and tomatoes offer a beautiful contrast of textures, while the fresh herbs add a burst of flavor in every bite.
Not only is it an eye-catching dish that can be served at any gathering, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and customizable. Add your favorite vegetables or protein for a heartier version. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a family dinner, or just preparing it for meal prep, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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8 oz pasta (such as rotini or fusilli)
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1 cup green beans, chopped
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1 cucumber, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1/4 cup white wine vinegar
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1/4 cup Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside to cool.
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Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
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Add the cooled pasta, green beans, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, parsley, basil, and chives to the bowl. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Green Goddess Pasta Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Meal for Any Occasion
When it comes to light, refreshing meals that are perfect for warm weather, few dishes compare to a well-crafted pasta salad. And when you elevate the flavors with fresh herbs, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy dressing, you create a dish that’s not only delicious but also satisfying. Enter the Green Goddess Pasta Salad a perfect marriage of these elements that brings both nutritional value and incredible taste to the table.
This pasta salad is a celebration of the season’s best produce, featuring fresh green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs. The dressing, made with creamy Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and tangy lemon juice, enhances the dish’s freshness and makes it the perfect choice for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a picnic treat. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
The Appeal of Green Goddess Pasta Salad
What makes the Green Goddess Pasta Salad so appealing is its balance of texture and flavor. The tender pasta provides a hearty base, while the crunchiness of the cucumber and the bite of the green beans give the salad a satisfying contrast. The burst of sweetness from the cherry tomatoes further enhances its fresh appeal. All these ingredients are brought together with a vibrant dressing, creating a dish that’s creamy yet refreshing, rich yet light.
The Green Goddess dressing, traditionally made with fresh herbs, mayonnaise, and a variety of seasonings, is transformed here into a lighter, healthier version by using Greek yogurt. This substitution not only adds a creamy texture but also provides a boost of protein and probiotics. The Greek yogurt acts as a perfect base, carrying the flavors of fresh parsley, basil, chives, garlic, and lemon juice, all while keeping the dish on the lighter side without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Gatherings
One of the greatest things about this Green Goddess Pasta Salad is that it’s incredibly versatile and can fit into various occasions. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead, preparing a light lunch for yourself, or bringing a dish to a potluck or family gathering, this pasta salad is a great option.
The salad holds up well in the fridge, making it a perfect candidate for meal prepping. You can make it in advance, store it in an airtight container, and enjoy it for several days. As the flavors marinate, the salad becomes even more delicious, with the dressing soaking into the pasta and vegetables for a deeper flavor profile. The pasta doesn’t get soggy, and the veggies retain their crunch, making this a dish that’s perfect for preparing ahead of time.
For gatherings, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant green color and fresh appeal make it an eye-catching addition to any table. It’s also incredibly easy to scale up if you need to make a larger batch. Whether it’s served as a side dish or a light main course, it’s perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to more formal dinner parties.
Customization Options: Make It Your Own
One of the joys of pasta salad recipes is their flexibility. While the Green Goddess Pasta Salad recipe is already packed with fresh, healthy ingredients, it can be easily customized to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ways you can tweak the recipe:
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Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding protein sources such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. A handful of chickpeas or white beans could also be a great vegetarian protein option. Adding protein will make this dish a more complete meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Switch Up the Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add different vegetables to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Try adding roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or even thinly sliced red onions for extra flavor. You can also add avocado for a creamy element, or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, comforting twist.
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Try Different Herbs: While this recipe uses parsley, basil, and chives, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with other fresh herbs. Dill, cilantro, or even mint can add a unique twist to the dressing. Don’t hesitate to experiment to find your perfect herb combination!
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Use Gluten-Free or Whole Grain Pasta: If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, you can easily swap out the pasta. Choose gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option or opt for whole grain pasta to boost the fiber content. The flavors of the dish will still shine through with either option.
Nutritional Benefits of Green Goddess Pasta Salad
This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. The dish is packed with vegetables, which provide a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Green beans, for example, are high in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps in collagen production. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, while tomatoes provide a healthy dose of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its heart-health benefits.
Greek yogurt, the base of the dressing, adds protein and probiotics to the dish, which are essential for digestive health. The use of olive oil, a heart-healthy fat, also helps balance out the meal and makes it a nutritious choice.
For those looking for a more plant-based or dairy-free option, swapping Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or avocado-based dressing is a great alternative. This keeps the dish rich in healthy fats and maintains the creamy texture that makes this pasta salad so irresistible.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Dish for Every Season
Whether it’s summer, fall, or any time of the year, the Green Goddess Pasta Salad fits into every season beautifully. During the warmer months, it’s a perfect side dish to complement grilled meats and BBQ fare, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a light and fresh lunch. In colder months, it still works well as a hearty side or a standalone dish that gives you a taste of something fresh when you’re craving lighter fare.
This pasta salad is an excellent choice for gatherings as well, especially since it can be prepared ahead of time, freeing you up to focus on other parts of the meal. It’s a guaranteed hit at picnics, potlucks, or dinner parties, with its fresh flavors, healthy ingredients, and stunning appearance.
Conclusion:
The Green Goddess Pasta Salad is an easy-to-make, versatile, and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are preparing it for a week of healthy lunches, as a side for a family meal, or to bring to a gathering, it’s a dish that won’t disappoint. The combination of fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and a creamy, tangy dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a regular on your menu.
With its customizable options, it’s easy to make this dish fit your preferences and dietary needs, and with its light yet filling nature, it’s a perfect choice for any season. So, next time you’re looking for a vibrant