Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant and colorful dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of sunny days and picnics in the park. This salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes—with its lush greens, creamy avocado, and bite-sized pasta—it’s also a deliciously satisfying meal that appeals to both the health-conscious and pasta lovers alike. The blend of fresh ingredients unites to create flavorful explosions in every bite, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings, lunches, or even a simple weeknight dinner.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Green Goddess Pasta Salad

I first stumbled upon the idea of a Green Goddess Pasta Salad during a particularly hot summer afternoon. Craving something refreshing yet hearty, I experimented with ingredients I had on hand, tossing them together with a homemade Green Goddess dressing. The result? A colorful medley that sang of summer! This recipe has since become a staple for those moments when you want a quick, hearty dish packed with good-for-you ingredients. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a regular on my table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 65 minutes, including prep and cook time, this dish comes together effortlessly!
Irresistible Flavor: The roasted broccoli and chickpeas add a delightful crunch, complemented by the creamy avocado and zesty dressing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant colors will draw everyone in, making it perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main dish, a side, or even grab a bowl for a nutritious snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan and gluten-free diets, making it inclusive for all your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets: This adds texture and nutrients. Opt for fresh, tender florets for the best flavor.
2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil: You’ll use this for both roasting and dressing. Choose a good-quality olive oil for a richer flavor.
2 tsps everything all-purpose blend: This blend gives a burst of savory flavor. You can easily make your own by combining garlic powder, onion powder, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: It adds a smoky depth. Regular paprika can be used if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 (16 oz.) package your fave shortcut pasta: Pasta shapes like penne or rotini work wonderfully for holding all that delicious dressing.
1 bunch organic romaine lettuce: The crispness provides a refreshing base; you can swap in kale or arugula if you desire a flavor change.
Handful of organic arugula (optional): Adds an extra peppery kick and a pop of color.
2 cups roasted chickpeas: They are protein-packed and add delightful crunch; you can use canned chickpeas for ease or roast your own for more flavor.
1 cup cooked organic green peas: Fresh or frozen peas work well; they add sweetness and a lovely bright green hue.
1 medium Haas avocado, chopped into cubes: The creaminess balances the robustness of the other flavors. Make sure it’s perfectly ripe for the best texture.
1 cup green goddess dressing, homemade or store-bought: This dressing is the star of the show! Homemade adds a special touch, but store-bought is a great time-saver.
1 cup shaved parmesan: Optional but recommended for a salty touch. You can substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper will make cleanup a breeze after roasting.

Roast the Broccoli: In a mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsps everything all-purpose blend, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Ensure each floret is well-coated before spreading them out on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the edges are nice and crispy, giving it wonderful depth of flavor.

Cook the Pasta: While the broccoli is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your shortcut pasta—about 16 ounces—and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with a touch of olive oil to keep it from sticking, then set aside to cool.

Prepare the Greens: Strip the leaves from the bunch of romaine lettuce and discard the stems. Roughly chop the leaves (you can also add the arugula at this point if you’re using it). Place the chopped greens in a large bowl, drizzling 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them before gently rubbing the greens together for 2-3 minutes. This step softens the lettuce and infuses it with flavor.

Mix It All Together: Add the roasted broccoli, 2 cups roasted chickpeas, cooled pasta, 1 cup cooked green peas, and chopped avocado to the bowl. Now, you can either toss everything together with the green goddess dressing immediately or save it until serving for an extra fresh touch.

Serve: Transfer the beautiful salad into bowls and sprinkle with extra shaved parmesan if you desire. The dish is ready to enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let the Green Goddess Pasta Salad cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the greens might change after freezing and thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply toss everything back in a bowl and give it a fresh drizzle of dressing for that reviving touch!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid soggy greens: Ensure your lettuce is fully dried before tossing with the dressing to preserve crispness.
Check the avocados: Use fully ripe avocados; an under-ripe one can be less creamy and a bit bitter.
Customize your dressing: Experiment by adding herbs like basil or dill to your green goddess dressing for variations in flavor.
Make it ahead: Pre-roast the broccoli and chickpeas and prepare your dressing a day in advance for easy assembly the next day.
Pasta choice matters: Use pasta shapes that can hold dressing and ingredients well, like rotini or farfalle, to enhance the eating experience!

Green Goddess Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a delightful twist on classic pasta salads that offers both beauty and nutrition. With vibrant colors, delightful textures, and a fresh taste, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients according to your palate or what’s available. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep. You can roast the broccoli, chickpeas, and cook the pasta a day in advance. Just store everything separately and toss it with dressing right before serving to keep the greens crisp.

What can I substitute for roasted chickpeas?

If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, you can use cannellini beans for a similar texture. Alternatively, roasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch.

How does the Green Goddess dressing affect the salad?

The dressing is what brings all the flavors together! A good Green Goddess dressing offers creaminess and a burst of herbaceous freshness. Opt for homemade if you can, as it allows for customization in flavor intensity!

Can I add other veggies to this pasta salad?

Definitely! Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even fresh corn for added sweetness and crunch. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors to keep that fresh profile!

More Dinner Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Green Goddess Pasta Salad combines a burst of flavors with fresh broccoli, roasted chickpeas, and creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick meal, it’s both nutritious and delightful, making it a favorite for easy weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets
2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
2 tsps on everything all-purpose blend
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 (16 oz.) package your fave shortcut pasta
1 bunch organic romaine lettuce
handful of organic arugula, optional
2 cups roasted chickpeas
1 cup cooked organic green peas
1 medium haas avocado, chopped into cubes
1 cup green goddess dressing
1 cup shaved parmesan

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine the broccoli florets, olive oil, on everything blend, and smoked paprika. Toss until the broccoli is well-coated.
Spread the coated broccoli on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until charred and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Notes

Feel free to substitute romaine with kale or arugula for variety.
Adjust the amount of green goddess dressing according to your preference for creaminess.
Experiment with different types of pasta to find your favorite!