Green Goddess Pasta Salad

$For a tasty Green Goddess Pasta Salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne works well) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 avocado, diced - 1/2 cup green goddess dressing (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient adds flavor and color. The pasta gives a nice base. The veggies bring crunch and freshness. The dressing ties it all together. I suggest using fusilli or penne pasta for this salad. Fusilli holds the dressing well due to its twists. Penne has smooth tubes that let flavors mix nicely. You can also try farfalle for a fun shape. Just remember to cook until al dente for the best texture. Want to make your salad even better? Here are some fun add-ins: - Grilled chicken for protein - Chickpeas for a hearty touch - Olives for a salty kick - Feta cheese for creaminess - Nuts or seeds for extra crunch Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. These options let you customize your salad to fit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a pot. Add salt to the water to flavor the pasta. Add 8 ounces of pasta, like fusilli or penne, to the pot. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should still have a bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. While the pasta cools, wash and chop your veggies. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Dice 1 bell pepper and 1 cucumber into small pieces. Finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. Wash 1 cup of fresh spinach and pat it dry. Combine all these veggies in a large mixing bowl. Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Gently fold in 1 diced avocado. Be careful not to mash it as you mix. Pour 1/2 cup of green goddess dressing over the salad and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like more dressing, feel free to add it. Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil on top for a pop of flavor. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Green Goddess Pasta Salad! To cook pasta well, start by boiling water. Use a big pot and add salt. This helps the pasta taste better. Once the water boils, add your 8 ounces of pasta. Stir it so it doesn't stick. Cook until it is al dente, which means firm but not hard. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. For the dressing, you can use store-bought green goddess dressing or make your own. If you choose to make it, blend fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and chives with olive oil, lemon juice, and yogurt. This mix gives your salad a fresh taste. When mixing the salad, pour the dressing over the ingredients right before serving. This keeps the pasta and veggies crisp. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. To store avocado, keep it whole until you are ready to use it. If you cut it, sprinkle lemon juice on the flesh to prevent browning. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps it stay fresh for a longer time. Use any leftover avocado within a day or two for the best taste. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture, as it will absorb flavors and maintain a pleasant bite in the salad. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your pasta salad. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the green goddess dressing according to your taste; add more herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra zing. Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully. {{image_2}} You can boost the protein in your Green Goddess Pasta Salad easily. Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options add flavor and keep the salad filling. For a vegetarian twist, try chickpeas or black beans. They give a nice texture and extra protein. You can also use diced hard-boiled eggs. They add richness and make the salad even more satisfying. Making your pasta salad vegetarian or vegan is simple. To keep it vegan, skip the eggs and any dairy. Use a plant-based green goddess dressing. Many brands offer tasty vegan dressings. You can also make your own with avocado, herbs, and lemon juice. Adding extra vegetables, like roasted zucchini or sweet corn, will keep the dish fresh and fun. Seasonal ingredients can make your salad shine. In spring, add peas or asparagus for a crisp bite. In summer, consider ripe peaches or fresh corn. In fall, swap in roasted butternut squash or apples for sweetness. Winter calls for hearty ingredients like Brussels sprouts or kale. Each season gives you a chance to change flavors and keep things exciting. To store your Green Goddess Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. The cool temperature helps maintain freshness. If you have leftovers, try to finish them within three days. This keeps the salad tasty and safe to eat. I do not recommend freezing this pasta salad. The veggies and avocado may get mushy when thawed. Freezing can change the texture of the salad. If you want to save some, store only the pasta without the dressing and fresh veggies. You can then add fresh ingredients later. When stored properly, the pasta salad lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, it may lose its freshness. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks funny, it’s best to throw it away. This way, you can enjoy your meal safely! Green Goddess dressing is a creamy sauce made with herbs. It often includes parsley, chives, and tarragon. This dressing has a fresh and vibrant flavor. It pairs perfectly with salads, like our pasta salad. The dressing gives a rich, green color and adds taste. You can buy it or make your own! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It stays fresh for a day or two. Just store it in the fridge in a covered bowl. If you make it early, keep the avocado separate. Add it just before serving to keep it green and fresh. To make homemade Green Goddess dressing, you need simple ingredients. Here’s a quick recipe: - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup buttermilk - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar - 1/4 cup fresh herbs (like parsley and chives) - Salt and pepper to taste 1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. 2. Blend until smooth and creamy. 3. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This dressing is easy and delicious! This blog post covered all the steps to make a great pasta salad. We discussed the right ingredients and cooking methods. I shared tips to cook pasta and store your salad well. You can try different proteins or swap in seasonal veggies for fun flavors. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable and simple. With these ideas, you can create a tasty dish that's perfect for any occasion. Your kitchen adventures await!$

A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad with a creamy green goddess dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 whole bell pepper, diced
1 whole cucumber, diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup fresh spinach
1 whole avocado, diced
0.5 cup green goddess dressing
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and spinach.
Gently fold in the diced avocado, being careful not to mash it.
Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding more dressing if desired.
Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl or as individual servings, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of pepper for a vibrant finish.

Keyword green goddess, pasta salad, vegetarian