The Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant, veggie-packed dish perfect for warm weather meals. Loaded with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a creamy homemade green goddess dressing, this salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. It’s an excellent side dish or a stand-alone meal for summer picnics, barbecues, or any time you want a bright, herby dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound short pasta (fusilli or casarecce)
- ½ pound asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups snap peas or 1 cup sweet peas (thawed)
- ½ English cucumber or 4 Persian cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup Castelvetrano olives (pitted and halved, optional)
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- 2 cups roughly chopped spinach
- ¼ cup basil leaves + 6 leaves roughly chopped
For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- ¼ cup loosely packed basil leaves

Directions

Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dressing
- In a blender, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, Dijon mustard, basil, and spinach. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, asparagus, snap peas, cucumber, olives (if using), chives, and spinach. Toss gently to combine.
Add Dressing
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
Serve and Store
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrients (per serving, approximately)

Calories: 327 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Total Fat: 27 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: 419 mg
Sugar: 1 g

This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of creamy dressing and fresh, crunchy vegetables, making it a delightful addition to your summer meals. Enjoy!

The Origins of Green Goddess Dressing

The Green Goddess dressing, the star of this dish, has a fascinating history. Originally created in the 1920s at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel, it was named after the play The Green Goddess to honor its star. The dressing’s vibrant green color and bold flavor come from an array of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and tarragon, blended with creamy elements like mayonnaise and sour cream.

Over the years, the dressing has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, with spinach and basil often added for extra freshness. In this pasta salad, it serves as both the flavor backbone and the perfect complement to the dish’s fresh, crunchy vegetables.

A Perfect Harmony of Ingredients

Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a medley of flavors and textures, each ingredient playing a vital role:

Pasta: Short pasta like fusilli or casarecce works best, as their grooves hold the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Asparagus: This seasonal vegetable brings a tender-crisp texture and mild, earthy flavor to the salad.
Snap Peas or Sweet Peas: These add a burst of sweetness and a delightful crunch.
Cucumber: Cool and refreshing, cucumber balances the creamy dressing with its crisp texture.
Olives (Optional): Castelvetrano olives provide a briny, buttery flavor that complements the dish’s herbaceous notes.
Herbs and Greens: Basil, chives, and spinach add vibrant color and freshness, tying the salad together with their aromatic qualities.

The beauty of this salad lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize the vegetables or omit the olives to suit your preferences, creating a dish that feels unique yet familiar.

The Star of the Dish: Green Goddess Dressing

The dressing is the heart of Green Goddess Pasta Salad, infusing it with creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors. Made with a combination of mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s light yet indulgent.

The addition of spinach in the dressing not only enhances its vibrant green color but also adds a subtle earthy note. Basil and lemon juice brighten the flavor profile, while Dijon mustard provides a gentle tang that complements the creamy base. This dressing is so versatile that it can also be used as a dip, spread, or drizzle for other dishes.

Why Green Goddess Pasta Salad is Perfect for Summer

This pasta salad is tailor-made for summer gatherings. Its light, refreshing flavor profile and the mix of fresh, seasonal vegetables make it a standout dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. Unlike heavier mayonnaise-based pasta salads, this version feels bright and uplifting, perfect for outdoor meals and warm weather.

The salad is also an excellent make-ahead dish, as the flavors deepen over time. Preparing it a day in advance allows the dressing to meld with the pasta and vegetables, making it even more delicious when served.

Customizing Your Green Goddess Pasta Salad

The versatility of this dish allows for endless customization. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Change the Greens: Swap spinach for arugula or kale for a peppery or robust flavor.
Experiment with Herbs: Add parsley, dill, or tarragon to the dressing for a unique twist.
Cheese Options: Sprinkle Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate cherry tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini for variety.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, fish, or veggie burgers for a complete summer meal.
As a Main Course: Add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a satisfying standalone meal.
On a Buffet Table: Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a star attraction at potlucks or barbecues.
For Meal Prep: Pack it in individual containers for a convenient, healthy lunch option.

Serve it with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water infused with citrus for a refreshing pairing that complements its flavors.

Health Benefits of Green Goddess Pasta Salad

This pasta salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:

Fresh Vegetables: Asparagus, snap peas, and spinach are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting overall health.
Healthy Fats: The olive oil in the dressing provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Herbs: Basil and chives add a dose of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Customizable Nutritional Profile: By adding lean protein or using whole-grain pasta, you can increase the salad’s nutritional value further.

The balance of fresh produce and a creamy dressing ensures that this dish is both indulgent and nourishing.

Tips for Perfect Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Cook Pasta Properly: Ensure the pasta is al dente to maintain its structure and prevent a mushy texture.
Blanch Vegetables: Briefly blanch the asparagus and snap peas for a vibrant color and tender-crisp texture.
Chill the Salad: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve Fresh: While it can be made ahead, the salad is best served within 24 hours to maintain the vegetables’ crunch and the dressing’s brightness.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, combining vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients. Its adaptability and visual appeal make it a dish that fits any occasion, from casual lunches to elegant dinners. The homemade dressing elevates it from a simple salad to a gourmet offering that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Conclusion

Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a celebration of fresh, herby flavors and seasonal produce. With its creamy dressing and colorful vegetables, it’s a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or looking for a light yet satisfying meal, this salad delivers on every front.

Its versatility, health benefits, and stunning presentation ensure it will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it chilled, enjoy its bright flavors, and savor the refreshing experience of Green Goddess Pasta Salad—a dish that embodies the best of summer cooking.