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 become a holiday favorite in my family for its fresh flavors and easy preparation.
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 My family always gathers around this dish during holiday meals, sharing stories and enjoying every bite together.
Notes
For added crunch sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
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.
Save This Green Goddess Protein Pasta Salad is sure to brighten your table and nourish your body all year round.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta types work best?
Whole wheat or chickpea pasta hold flavors well and add nutritional value. Gluten-free pasta can substitute if needed.
- → Can the dressing be dairy-free?
Yes, using plant-based yogurt and vegan mayo creates a dairy-free green goddess dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
- → How to add more texture?
Sprinkling toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
- → What proteins can replace chickpeas?
Grilled chicken or tofu are great alternatives, complementing the salad’s fresh ingredients and dressing.
- → Is chilling necessary before serving?
Chilling the salad for at least 15 minutes helps flavors meld and enhances the overall taste experience.