Save A vibrant, nutrient-packed pasta salad featuring a creamy green goddess dressing, crisp vegetables, and protein-rich ingredients perfect for festive gatherings or a healthy meal any time.
This salad has been a hit at every holiday party I bring it to and is always requested by my family for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Protein: 250 g (9 oz) whole wheat or chickpea pasta, 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) chickpeas drained and rinsed, 200 g (7 oz) cooked edamame beans (shelled)
- Vegetables: 1 small cucumber diced, 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 small avocado diced, 2 spring onions thinly sliced, 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- Green Goddess Dressing: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative, 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup fresh chives, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh basil, Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl combine cooked pasta chickpeas edamame cucumber spinach cherry tomatoes avocado spring onions parsley and basil.
- Step 3:
- Prepare the dressing: In a blender or food processor combine Greek yogurt mayonnaise olive oil garlic lemon juice apple cider vinegar chives parsley and basil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4:
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Step 6:
- Serve garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Save This recipe always brings my family together around the table and gets rave reviews from all ages.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Blender or food processor Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 19 g per serving
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or your favorite light white wine.
Save Enjoy this fresh flavorful salad any time of year it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What pasta works best for this salad?
Whole wheat or chickpea pasta are ideal for texture and added protein, but any pasta shape you prefer can be used.
- → Can I make the dressing dairy-free?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives to keep it vegan and dairy-free.
- → How long should the salad chill before serving?
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and enhance taste.
- → Are there protein alternatives for chickpeas and edamame?
Grilled chicken or tofu can be swapped in for chickpeas and edamame to suit different dietary preferences.
- → What herbs enhance the green goddess dressing?
Fresh parsley, basil, and chives add bright, herbal notes essential to the signature dressing flavor.