Save to Pinterest This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together tender short pasta, crisp cucumbers, and a medley of fresh herbs. It is all tossed in a luxuriously creamy avocado-yogurt green goddess dressing, making it the perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, or a simple, light lunch. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standby favorite for any season.
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The secret to this salad is the signature Green Goddess dressing. By blending ripe avocado with Greek yogurt and lemon juice, you achieve a velvety consistency that perfectly coats every piece of pasta. It’s a wholesome, vegetarian-friendly option that doesn't skimp on satisfaction.
Ingredients
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- Pasta: 250 g (9 oz) short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or penne, and salt for the boiling water.
- Vegetables & Herbs: 1 medium diced cucumber, 60 g (2 cups) roughly chopped baby spinach, 50 g (1/2 cup) chopped fresh parsley, 15 g (1/4 cup) chopped fresh chives, and 15 g (1/4 cup) chopped fresh basil.
- 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 (about 1/2 lemon), 1 minced garlic clove, 1–2 tbsp water to thin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions
- 1. 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.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing: 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.
- 3. Mix the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked pasta, diced cucumber, spinach, parsley, chives, and basil.
- 4. Dress and Toss
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- 5. Season
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
- 6. 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
For the smoothest dressing, ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe and use a high-powered blender. If you find the dressing is too thick to coat the pasta easily, whisk in an extra tablespoon of water or lemon juice until it reaches your preferred consistency.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can make it vegan by substituting the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. For extra texture, try adding crunchy vegetables like sugar snap peas or radishes to the mix. If you prefer a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free short pasta.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this salad as a light main course or as a side dish for grilled proteins. To boost the protein content, you can toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or diced hard-boiled eggs. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a few hours of preparation to maintain the vibrant green color of the avocado dressing.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're heading to a summer picnic or just looking for a healthy way to use up fresh garden herbs, this Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a delightful and nutritious choice. Enjoy the creamy, herbaceous goodness in every bite!
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing it to chill helps the flavors meld together beautifully. If storing longer, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.
- → How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing naturally helps prevent oxidation and browning of the avocado. Ensure your avocado is ripe but not overripe when blending, and consume or refrigerate the salad promptly after assembly for best color and texture preservation.
- → What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or penne are ideal because they trap the creamy dressing throughout the salad. These shapes also catch the diced vegetables and herbs evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-balanced.
- → How can I add protein to this salad?
You can easily boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken breast, crispy chickpeas, or diced hard-boiled eggs. Each option complements the fresh herbs and avocado dressing without overpowering the lighter, garden-fresh character of the salad.
- → Is this suitable for a vegan diet?
You can easily make it vegan by substituting the Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt. Be sure to check the label for potential soy or nut allergens if using non-dairy alternatives. The avocado and olive oil provide plenty of healthy fats and richness.
- → What vegetables can I substitute or add?
This salad is versatile and welcomes additions like sugar snap peas, radishes, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. You can also swap spinach for arugula or other leafy greens depending on your preferences and what's in season.
