Dive into our irresistible Green Goddess Pasta Salad, a dish inspired by the viral recipe that has taken TikTok by storm! This sensational creation combines a medley of nutritious ingredients to make the green goddess dressing, infusing your pasta noodles with a burst of deliciousness. We take it up a notch by tossing in perfectly cooked peas, adding a refreshing twist to every forkful. This satisfying salad is a crowd-pleaser, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or family meals!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s talk about the ingredients and possible substitutions for our Green Goddess Pasta Salad!
The star of the show is lentil or chickpea pasta noodles, which bring a protein-packed punch to the dish. However, if you prefer, feel free to use any pasta noodles of your choice.
The green goddess dressing is where the magic happens, featuring a delightful combination of fresh spinach, basil, garlic, lemon juice, shallot, extra virgin olive oil, cashews, and nutritional yeast. This dressing adds a creamy and cheesy flavor profile to your pasta salad.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand; substitutions can work wonders. Swap spinach for kale or arugula, basil for cilantro or parsley, or cashews for almonds or pine nuts. Experimenting with flavors is part of the fun!
Remember, the goal is to create a vibrant and delicious salad that suits your preferences and dietary needs. Let your creativity shine and make this Green Goddess Pasta Salad truly your own!
Helpful Tools
- Pot or Saucepan: This is necessary for cooking the pasta noodles until they reach the desired tenderness.
- Colander or Strainer: You’ll need this to drain the cooked pasta and peas, removing excess water.
- Food Processor: A food processor is essential for blending the ingredients for the green goddess dressing into a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Sharp Knife: Having a sharp knife will make chopping garlic, shallots, and herbs a breeze, ensuring precise cuts.
- Large Serving Bowl or Platter: This will be perfect for combining all the salad elements and presenting the finished dish in an appealing manner.
How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad
First, cook your chosen pasta noodles according to package instructions. This will ensure they are perfectly al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, boil frozen peas for a few minutes until they are tender. Then, drain them and set them aside for later.
Now, let’s make the star of the show: the green goddess dressing. In a food processor, blend together spinach, basil, garlic, lemon juice, shallot, extra virgin olive oil, cashews, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Keep blending until the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth dressing.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help cool down the pasta and prevent it from sticking together.
In a medium serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, green goddess dressing, and the boiled peas. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and the peas are well incorporated.
To add a finishing touch, top the salad with a handful of fresh arugula and optional vegan feta for an extra burst of flavor.
Your Green Goddess Pasta Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta al dente: To achieve the ideal texture, make sure to cook the pasta until it is still slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Don’t overcook the peas: When boiling the peas, be careful not to overcook them. They should be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture and loss of vibrant color.
- Chill the pasta: After cooking and draining the pasta, rinse it with cold water to cool it down quickly. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain a firm texture. It also prevents the pasta from sticking together.
- Let the flavors meld: For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for a while before serving. This will give the pasta time to absorb the flavors of the dressing and make the overall taste more delicious.
- Add toppings just before serving: If you’re using fresh arugula or vegan feta as toppings, add them right before serving. This helps to maintain their freshness and prevents wilting.
- Double the batch: This recipe is great for meal prep or gatherings. Consider doubling the ingredients to make a larger batch that can be enjoyed throughout the week or shared with friends and family.
FAQ: Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests lentil or chickpea pasta noodles for a protein boost, you can use any pasta of your choice. Feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes to suit your preference.
Yes, you can prepare the green goddess dressing in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Give it a good stir before using it in the salad to ensure it’s well mixed.
While the salad is best enjoyed immediately after combining all the ingredients, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the pasta and peas ahead of time, and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss them with the dressing and add the toppings for a fresh and vibrant salad.
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad to your liking by adding extra vegetables or ingredients. Sliced cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, or roasted bell peppers can all be wonderful additions to enhance the flavors and textures.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 box pasta noodles (about 1 lb or 400g)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Green Pasta Sauce
- 1-2 cups spinach
- 1 cup basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon juiced (3 tbsp)
- 1 shallot
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup cashews
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (or vegan parm)
- salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- handful fresh arugula
- ½ cup vegan feta (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the lentil or chickpea pasta according to package instructions.
- Boil the frozen peas for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a food processor, add spinach, basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cashews, nutritional yeast, shallot, salt and pepper. Blend until well combined.
- Drain the water from the cooked pasta, and rinse with cold water. In a medium serving bowl combine cooked pasta, green sauce, and cooked peas. Top with a handful of fresh arugula, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
Our Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together nutritious ingredients and a delightful green goddess dressing. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or as a side dish, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its protein-packed pasta, refreshing peas, and creamy dressing, it’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or toppings to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that will impress and delight. So, gather your ingredients, follow our easy steps, and get ready to indulge in this sensational Green Goddess Pasta Salad. Bon appétit!
Loved this! The green goddess “dressing” is such a amazing flavor 😋
I agree and thank you so much for trying out this recipe ☺️