Pin it 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 quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings for its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
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
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine cooked pasta chickpeas edamame cucumber spinach cherry tomatoes avocado spring onions parsley and basil.
- Prepare 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.
- Dress Salad:
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Pin it This recipe always brings the family together especially during holiday meals and summer picnics.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Blender or food processor Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt mayonnaise) gluten (wheat pasta) soy (edamame possible in mayonnaise yogurt) eggs (mayonnaise). For gluten-free use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free vegan use plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise. Always check product labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 19 g per serving.
Pin it This Green Goddess Protein Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of nutrition and flavor making it a go-to choice for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta options work best in this dish?
Whole wheat or chickpea pasta provides a hearty base with added fiber and protein that complement the fresh vegetables well.
- → Can the dressing be made vegan?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives to keep the creamy texture while avoiding dairy.
- → How should the salad be stored after preparation?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are there suggested protein swaps for chickpeas and edamame?
Grilled chicken or tofu can replace chickpeas and edamame to vary protein sources while maintaining balanced flavors.
- → What herbs enhance the green goddess dressing?
Parsley, basil, and chives create a fresh, aromatic dressing that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.