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Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

4.5 from 86 reviews

This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy, and herb-packed dish perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing side at your next gathering. Featuring rotini pasta tossed with a zesty green goddess dressing made from fresh herbs, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon, combined with crisp cucumber, celery, green peas, avocado, and finished with grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying salad that’s best served chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces rotini pasta

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

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 1/2 cup avocado, diced
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. 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, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh parsley, chives, basil, tarragon, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend or whisk until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, sliced celery, green peas, and diced avocado. Pour the prepared green goddess dressing over the mixture.
  4. Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Add Cheese and Chill: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss lightly to distribute. 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.

Notes

  • Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier twist.
  • For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds.
  • Make sure to cool the pasta completely to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
  • This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Adjust fresh herbs according to availability and preference.

Keywords: Green Goddess Pasta Salad, Creamy Pasta Salad, Herb Pasta Salad, Summer Salad, Vegetarian Pasta Salad, Rotini Pasta Salad