Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

Bright, herby, and bursting with fresh flavor, Green Goddess Pasta Salad is the ultimate picnic or weekday lunch dish that feels special enough for gatherings yet easy enough to make any time. With an irresistible creamy pesto dressing and a bounty of green veggies, this salad makes you fall in love with every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Green Goddess Pasta Salad brings something special to the table—whether it’s vibrant color, creamy texture, or a flavorful crunch. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own green masterpiece at home:

• 1 lb DeLallo Gemelli Pasta: This twisty pasta holds onto the creamy dressing perfectly, but any short, sturdy pasta works in a pinch.
• 6.35 oz DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto: The backbone of that herby, aromatic flavor—feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto.
• 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise: Mayo transforms the pesto into a smooth, silky dressing for irresistible richness.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors—season to taste if your pesto is particularly salty.
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas: These sweet pops of green are a classic in pasta salads; steam or boil for the best texture.
• 2 cups steamed asparagus (chopped): Tender spears bring seasonal flair and a gentle crunch—don’t overcook!
• 1 1/2 cups chickpeas: For extra protein, fiber, and a hearty bite—drain and rinse if using canned.
• 3/4 cup pine nuts: Toasted and nutty, they deliver luscious flavor and elegant crunch in every bite.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives: A mild oniony kick and a pop of green on top makes the whole dish feel fresh and finished.

Variations

The beauty of Green Goddess Pasta Salad is how easily it adapts—don’t be afraid to make it your own! Change up the greens, swap out proteins, or tweak the dressing to play to your personal tastes and whatever is calling your name in the fridge.

• Add Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For a heartier main dish, top your salad with sliced grilled chicken or a handful of garlicky sautéed shrimp.
• Swap Peas or Asparagus: Try green beans, snow peas, broccoli florets, or zucchini for a different twist on the green theme.
• Go Vegan: Use vegan mayo and a dairy-free pesto for a fully plant-based version (check the pesto ingredients!)
• Switch Up the Crunch: Slivered almonds, pistachios, or toasted walnuts are all delicious alternatives to pine nuts.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the Gemelli pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well but don’t rinse—those starchy noodles help soak up every bit of that dreamy dressing.

Step 2: Prep the Dressing

While the pasta simmers, stir together the basil pesto and mayonnaise in a small bowl until completely smooth. This creamy-green dressing is the heart and soul of the salad, so take a minute to make sure it’s well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Steam the peas and asparagus just until tender and vibrant green—this usually takes just a few minutes. Let them cool slightly; you want them just warm when they go into the salad.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, toss the warm pasta with the pesto-mayo dressing and salt. Fold in the peas, asparagus, chickpeas, and pine nuts, tossing until everything is well coated and those pretty greens are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Spoon the pasta salad into a serving dish and shower with fresh chopped chives. Serve it slightly warm, room temperature, or chilled—however you like it best!

How to Serve Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Garnishes

This salad truly shines with a final flourish of fresh chives, but you can also add a handful of extra toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a bit of lemon zest for even more brightness. For extra color and garden vibes, toss on a few microgreens or edible flowers if you have them!

Side Dishes

Green Goddess Pasta Salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a balanced meal. It’s brilliant alongside crisp salads, crusty breads, or as part of a summer potluck spread. You really can’t go wrong—anything fresh and simple is a great match for these flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in a large, shallow platter to show off all those greens, or go mini with individual jars for picnics and lunchboxes. For special occasions, layer over crisp butter lettuce leaves or finish each plate with a swirl of extra pesto and a few shaved curls of Parmesan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Green Goddess Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for about 3 days. If you notice the dressing thickening up or the pasta soaking in more sauce, stir in a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon to perk it right back up!

Freezing

Pasta salads with creamy or pesto-based dressings don’t freeze well, as both the texture and color can change after thawing. For the freshest flavor, enjoy this Green Goddess Pasta Salad within a few days of making—it’s definitely worth it!

Reheating

This pasta salad is delicious served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat—just let it sit out of the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving to take off the chill. If you want a slightly warm salad, microwave individual servings for 10–15 seconds, just enough to soften the dressing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and absolutely packed with herby joy, this Green Goddess Pasta Salad always delivers. Toss it together for your next gathering, a family dinner, or a week of lunches—every bite is a vibrant treat that just feels good to eat. Let your taste buds be inspired and give it a try!

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