Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors and fresh, crisp textures all tossed together, then you are going to adore this Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a beautiful medley of colorful veggies, tender pasta, and a luscious, herb-packed Green Goddess dressing that ties everything together with a bright, creamy zing. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a flavorful weekday lunch, this salad feels like a celebration in every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes to impress family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance of taste, texture, and freshness in this Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe. Each item plays its own role — from the creamy mayonnaise that anchors the dressing, to the zingy lemon juice, and the vibrant garden-fresh herbs that bring that unmistakable Green Goddess magic.

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that lends richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
• Green onions (4-5, white and green parts): Add a gentle onion flavor with crunch and vibrancy.
• Fresh basil leaves (1 cup): Provide a fragrant, sweet herbal note essential for the dressing’s signature taste.
• Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Brings essential brightness and a refreshing tang to cut through the creaminess.
• Garlic cloves (2): Deliver a savory depth that enhances all other flavors.
• Anchovies (2): Add a subtle savory umami punch without overpowering the dish—totally worth it.
• Salt (½ to 1 tsp): Adjust to taste to balance the dressing perfectly.
• Black pepper (1 tsp): Provides a gentle kick and warmth.
• Sour cream (⅔ cup): Softens and mellows the acidity while adding luxuriously creamy texture.
• Short pasta (1 lb / 450g): Cooked al dente, it’s the hearty canvas that holds all the other fresh components.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): A mix of red and yellow brings sweetness, juiciness, and stunning color.
• Marinated artichokes (1 cup): Their tangy, tender bite adds a sophisticated twist.
• Chopped yellow or red pepper (1): Adds crunch and vibrant color contrast.
• Black olives (¼ cup, pitted): Bring a briny, slightly salty note perfect for balance.
• Small mozzarella balls (1 cup): Soft little pockets of milky creaminess among the veggies and pasta.
• Arugula (2 cups): Adds a peppery freshness to lift the salad’s flavor profile.
• Salad cress or micro herbs (2 tbsp, optional): A delicate garnish that adds an extra touch of green freshness and visual appeal.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing

The star of this pasta salad is undoubtedly the Green Goddess dressing. Start by combining the mayonnaise, green onions, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic, anchovies, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend everything until it’s luxuriously smooth and vibrant green. At this point, stir in the sour cream and season with salt to your liking. Keep this dressing chilled until you’re ready to use it — you’ll need about half a cup for the salad itself but the rest keeps beautifully refrigerated for up to a week, so you can enjoy it on sandwiches or as a dip too.

Step 2: Cook and Prepare the Pasta

While the dressing rests, boil your short pasta according to the package instructions but aim for al dente. This means the pasta should still have a slight firmness when bitten—perfect texture for salad. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down, ensuring it doesn’t soak up too much dressing later. Set it aside to make room for the star ingredients coming next.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together halved cherry tomatoes, chopped peppers, and marinated artichokes that you’ve quartered or halved. Add in the black olives, fresh arugula, and the cooled pasta. Pour in your Green Goddess dressing and toss gently so everything is evenly coated without crushing the delicate ingredients. If you have salad cress or micro herbs on hand, sprinkle them in now for extra freshness and visual appeal. Once combined, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This resting time lets all the flavors meld beautifully, and the salad tastes even better cold!

How to Serve Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, keep it fresh and colorful. A few extra basil leaves or a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving elevates the visual appeal. You could also add a few small mozzarella balls on top for an inviting, creamy touch that guests will appreciate.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or a crisp white wine for summer lunches. For a vegetarian meal, consider serving alongside garlic bread or a simple vegetable soup to create a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Serve this Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe layered beautifully in clear glass bowls or jars to showcase the colorful layers of tomatoes, peppers, olives, and arugula. You can also make individual portions in small mason jars—perfect for picnics or potlucks. A scatter of edible flowers makes for a whimsical and stunning presentation too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to three days. Keep the salad chilled and give it a gentle stir before serving again, as some ingredients may settle or release moisture.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh because the texture of some ingredients, especially the fresh veggies and mozzarella, can change after freezing. It’s not recommended to freeze the Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe if you want to retain its fresh, crisp quality.

Reheating

If you prefer your pasta salad slightly warmer, simply allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as heat can dull the bright flavors and soften the fresh vegetables too much.

FAQs

Can I make the Green Goddess dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pasta salad quick and easy when you’re ready.

What type of pasta works best in this salad?

Short pastas like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal because they hold onto the dressing well and mix easily with all the salad ingredients.

Can I substitute anchovies if I don’t eat fish?

Yes, you can omit anchovies if you prefer. To maintain some umami depth, try a splash of soy sauce or a dash of miso paste in your dressing instead.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

The traditional Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe includes mayonnaise, sour cream, and mozzarella, which are not vegan. However, you can use plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo, coconut yogurt, and vegan cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

How long does the pasta salad stay fresh once dressed?

Once combined with the dressing, the salad is best eaten within 1 to 2 days for the freshest flavors and best texture. After that, the pasta may start to absorb too much dressing and the vegetables can lose their crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe is a joyful, fresh, and immediately satisfying dish that you’ll turn to again and again. The homemade dressing is a revelation, and the colorful, crisp ingredients give it an irresistible character perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, invite some friends over, and watch this salad become a beloved signature in your kitchen.

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