Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Green Goddess Pasta Salad—a fresh, vibrant, and ultra-creamy dish that’s guaranteed to be the star at any gathering. Featuring tender pasta, crisp asparagus, bright peas, toasty pine nuts, and a pesto-mayo dressing so luscious it deserves its own spotlight, this salad brings together every green and glorious thing you crave!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is intentional—each one adds essential flavor, texture, or that irresistible pop of fresh green you expect from a Green Goddess Pasta Salad. Simple staples combine to give this dish its signature vibrancy and wow-factor.

• 1 lb DeLallo Gemelli Pasta: A fun twisty noodle that naturally holds onto all that herby, creamy dressing. Any short pasta will work, but gemelli adds a playful texture.
• 6.35 oz jar DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto: This bright basil pesto is the backbone of the dressing, infusing every bite with summery, garden-fresh flavor.
• 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise: A little mayo adds the ultimate creamy texture to the pesto, making the dressing rich without overpowering the greens.
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances every layer of flavor and draws out the sweetness in the vegetables.
• 1 1/2 cups Frozen Peas (cooked): Sweet bursts of green that add both color and a delightful snap.
• 2 cups Steamed Asparagus (chopped): Crisp, tender asparagus for a fresh, juicy crunch and a seasonal touch.
• 1 1/2 cups Chickpeas (drained): Tucked in for a satisfying, hearty bite and a plant-based protein boost.
• 3/4 cup Pine Nuts: Heavenly once toasted, they bring buttery crunch and a cozy nutty flavor that ties it all together.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (chopped): The finishing touch for a mild allium kick and beautiful bright green flecks.

Variations

The beauty of this Green Goddess Pasta Salad is how easily it flexes to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever’s hanging out in your fridge. Here are some easy, flavor-packed ways to riff on the original recipe:

• Veganize It: Use vegan mayo and a plant-based pesto to make this dish 100% dairy-free and animal-friendly, without losing that creamy dreaminess.
• Add Cheese: Toss in crumbled feta, shaved Parmesan, or little mozzarella pearls for extra richness and tang.
• Swap Your Veggies: Try blanched green beans, broccoli florets, or even baby spinach in place of asparagus if you’re craving (or have!) something different.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a version everyone can enjoy.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook your gemelli pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente—it should still have a little bite for the best texture. Once it’s ready, drain well and set aside. Don’t forget to give it a quick rinse with cold water if you want to cool it down quickly for mixing.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Green Goddess Dressing

While the pasta is cooking, stir together your basil pesto and mayo in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. This combo is the magic that makes every noodle shine with flavor and creamy goodness!

Step 3: Prep Your Green Veggies

Steam your asparagus until just tender, then chop into bite-size pieces. Cook the frozen peas as you like (a quick microwaving or blanching does the trick) so they’re bright green and sweet, not mushy. Drain and rinse your chickpeas if you haven’t already—they should be ready to go!

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a big mixing bowl, combine the hot (or cooled) pasta with the pesto mayo dressing, sea salt, peas, asparagus, chickpeas, and most of the pine nuts. Give it all a good toss so everything gets evenly coated and the green colors swirl together beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle chopped chives and a last scattering of pine nuts on top for extra flavor and crunch. This is when your Green Goddess Pasta Salad truly looks like a masterpiece—so dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For irresistible curb appeal, top your Green Goddess Pasta Salad with a final flourish of chopped chives, a smattering of pine nuts, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest. Edible flowers or microgreens make it feel extra-special, especially at parties or brunches.

Side Dishes

This salad loves a juicy grilled protein on the side—think lemony chicken, shrimp skewers, or even roasted salmon for a deluxe lunch. Or, go classic picnic-style with crusty bread and a platter of fresh fruit for a fresh, cheerful meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the Green Goddess Pasta Salad into individual glass jars for an adorable picnic lunch, or serve it family-style mounded high on a wide platter so all the jewel-green veggies are front and center. For parties, mini cups or lettuce cups make a colorful, mess-free appetizer everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Green Goddess Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even better over time! Just remember to give it a quick stir before serving as the dressing may settle or thicken as it chills.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—the creamy dressing and fresh veggies can lose their texture and become watery when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh (and there’s rarely any left to freeze!)

Reheating

This is a “serve cold or at room temperature” superstar! There’s no need to reheat Green Goddess Pasta Salad, but you can let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before digging in. That brings out all those gorgeous herby notes even more.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, fresh, and an instant crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with Green Goddess Pasta Salad. Gather your greens, whip up that irresistible pesto-mayo dressing, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl (or two!) of pure, herby happiness. Enjoy every bite—the goddess herself would approve.

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