Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe
This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish combining rotini pasta with a vibrant herb-packed dressing. Loaded with fresh vegetables like cucumber, celery, green peas, and avocado, it’s a perfect make-ahead side dish or light meal that melds bright lemon and garlic flavors with creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt or sour cream. The addition of fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, basil, and tarragon adds depth, while Parmesan cheese provides a savory finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup avocado, diced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped parsley, chives, basil, tarragon, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend or whisk the ingredients until smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta along with diced cucumber, sliced celery, green peas, and diced avocado. Pour the prepared green goddess dressing over the combined ingredients.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients to ensure the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing, mixing thoroughly but carefully to maintain the texture of the vegetables.
- Add Cheese and Chill: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the salad, then toss lightly to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for variation.
- You can prepare the pasta and dressing a day ahead for convenience.
- Ensure pasta is thoroughly rinsed and chilled to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- This salad makes for a great potluck or picnic dish.
Keywords: Green Goddess Pasta Salad, rotini pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, herb dressing pasta, vegetarian pasta salad, fresh vegetable pasta salad
Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/green-goddess-pasta-salad-recipe/
