Green Goddess Pasta Salad

The Creamy Herb Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing is your go-to summer staple. Packed with fresh herbs, tangy feta, and crisp veggies, this dish combines comfort and refreshment in every bite. It’s ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or a nourishing weekday lunch that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. Blended to creamy perfection, the homemade Green Goddess dressing elevates the pasta with its vibrant herbal punch. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it brings color and zest to the table. Light yet satisfying, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious making it a crowd-pleasing favorite at any gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves

• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 1 garlic clove

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup diced cucumber

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup sugar snap peas, chopped

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

2. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, olive oil, parsley, basil, tarragon, chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the green goddess dressing until well coated.

4. Gently fold in the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and feta cheese.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

6. Garnish with additional herbs or feta, if desired, before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Green Goddess Pasta Salad: A Flavor-Packed Celebration of Fresh Herbs and Crisp Veggies

There’s something timeless about pasta salad. It’s a dish that has earned its place at picnics, BBQs, potlucks, and midweek family lunches. But this isn’t your average mayo-heavy concoction it’s a fresh, herbaceous take on a classic that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The Green Goddess Pasta Salad takes everything we love about chilled pasta dishes and infuses it with vibrant green herbs, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing that’s bursting with flavor.

This salad brings together two powerhouses: a satisfying pasta base and the iconic Green Goddess dressing. The result is a refreshing dish that’s visually stunning and endlessly customizable ready to impress at your next gathering or simply elevate your weekday meal prep.

What Is Green Goddess Dressing?

Green Goddess dressing dates back to the 1920s in San Francisco, and while it’s experienced many modern interpretations, the basics remain the same: fresh herbs blended into a creamy base, usually consisting of mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt. It gets its name from the brilliant green hue achieved by blending herbs like parsley, basil, and tarragon.

The flavor profile is tangy, herby, slightly garlicky, and intensely fresh. When combined with pasta and fresh veggies, it creates a dish that tastes like springtime in every bite.

Why This Pasta Salad Stands Out

Unlike traditional pasta salads that may rely heavily on store-bought dressings or feel overly heavy, the Green Goddess Pasta Salad is all about balance. Here’s why it’s special:

1. Herb-Forward Flavor

The medley of parsley, basil, chives, and tarragon provides a deeply fragrant and earthy base. These herbs not only enhance the flavor but also offer numerous health benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties to immune-boosting nutrients.

2. Creamy Yet Light

While the dressing includes mayonnaise and sour cream, it’s tempered with lemon juice, zest, and olive oil. This combination creates a smooth, luscious texture without being overly rich.

3. Fresh Veggie Crunch

The inclusion of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas adds texture, color, and a delightful crunch. These ingredients keep the salad refreshing and hydrating, especially on hot days.

4. Feta for a Flavor Punch

Creamy, tangy feta cheese adds saltiness and contrast to the mild pasta and green dressing. It’s the perfect finishing touch that ties all the elements together.

A Versatile and Customizable Dish

One of the greatest benefits of this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, cleaning out your fridge, or simply switching things up for seasonal availability, this recipe allows endless flexibility.

Add-Ins and Substitutions:

• Protein: Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas for added protein and staying power.

• Grains: Substitute pasta with cooked farro, orzo, or even quinoa to change the texture and nutrition profile.

• Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo and sour cream, and skip the feta or opt for a plant-based cheese alternative.

• Extra Greens: Toss in arugula, spinach, or kale to add even more green to the dish.

Health Benefits

While it’s delicious and indulgent, this salad is also packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick look at what you’re nourishing your body with:

– Herbs: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K. Basil and parsley have natural detoxifying properties, while tarragon may help with digestion.

– Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat, loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids.

– Vegetables: Hydrating and full of fiber, helping with digestion and satiety.

– Feta Cheese: Provides calcium and protein, and adds a savory, umami flavor.

– Lemon Juice and Zest: Great source of vitamin C and adds brightness to the dressing.

This salad provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and micronutrients ideal for a light lunch or side dish that won’t weigh you down.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or packing a weekday lunch, this dish works beautifully. It can be made ahead, travels well, and holds up in the fridge for several days. Here are just a few serving ideas:

Picnic Hero

Pack it into a chilled container with some sparkling water and fresh fruit for an easy, gourmet-style picnic lunch.

Meal Prep Master

Portion it into containers for grab-and-go lunches. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Dinner Sidekick

Pair it with grilled meat or fish for a light, herbaceous dinner combo. It works especially well with lemon herb chicken, salmon, or even a veggie burger.

Potluck Perfection

Bring this to your next gathering, and watch it disappear. It stands out on any buffet table thanks to its color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor

To elevate your Green Goddess Pasta Salad to the next level, here are a few expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook your pasta so it holds up after absorbing the dressing.

• Chill Before Serving: Give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to marry.

• Season Generously: Taste and adjust salt and lemon levels. The pasta will absorb the dressing, so bold flavors are your friend.

• Double the Dressing: If you’re meal prepping, consider making extra dressing to freshen up leftovers later in the week.

Green Goddess Around the World

While the original Green Goddess recipe hails from California, variations of this herb-packed dressing have made their way into global cuisine. In the Mediterranean, similar herb dressings are paired with couscous and grilled vegetables. In Southeast Asia, cilantro and mint variations appear alongside noodle salads. By swapping or adding a few herbs, you can travel the world from your kitchen one bowl of pasta at a time.

Conclusion:

The Green Goddess Pasta Salad is more than just a pretty dish it’s a symphony of textures, flavors, and colors. It proves that pasta salad can be both nourishing and indulgent, elegant yet easy to prepare. Thanks to its herb-forward dressing and fresh vegetable medley, it delivers brightness in every bite.

Whether you’re a meal-prepper, picnic enthusiast, or someone simply looking to add more greens to your routine, this salad deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when paired thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary.