If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fresh, and irresistibly creamy salad that feels both indulgent and nourishing, this Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with bright green peas, crisp asparagus, nutty pine nuts, and the herby goodness of basil pesto blended with mayo, every bite is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weekday meal that feels special without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this one, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe relies on a handful of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component adds its own magic, from the tender pasta to the tangy pesto mayo sauce, bringing balance in taste, texture, and color.
- DeLallo Gemelli Pasta (1 lb): The twisted shape holds dressing perfectly, making every bite flavorful and fun.
- DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto (6.35 oz jar): This provides luscious herbaceous notes with a burst of basil and garlic.
- Real Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and richness, binding the flavors seamlessly together.
- Sea Salt (1 tsp): Essential for amplifying all the fresh flavors in the salad.
- Frozen Peas (1 1/2 cups): Sweet, bright, and tender, these pop with freshness after cooking.
- Steamed Asparagus, chopped (2 cups): Adds a subtle crunch and earthy green tones that lighten the dish.
- Chickpeas (1 1/2 cups, drained): Provide a hearty, nutty bite along with extra protein for satisfying texture.
- Pine Nuts (3/4 cup): Toasted or raw, these add buttery crunch and a lovely aroma.
- Fresh Chopped Chives (1 tbsp): For a touch of mild oniony sharpness and bright color garnish.
How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your DeLallo Gemelli Pasta according to the package instructions. This ensures the pasta is perfectly al dente and ready to soak up all the flavors coming its way. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the fresh ingredients later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, take a moment to stir together the basil pesto and mayonnaise until you get a smooth, creamy dressing. This simple mixture is where the classic Green Goddess flavor shines, balancing herbaceous freshness with a velvety texture.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss the hot pasta with the luscious pesto-mayo dressing, then add the cooked peas, chopped steamed asparagus, drained chickpeas, and pine nuts. Sprinkle in the sea salt and stir everything gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with that beautiful green dressing and to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Garnish with Chives
Finish your salad with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives. Not only do they brighten up the flavor with their delicate onion-like notes, but they also add a pop of vibrant green color that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe is now ready to be served. Dig in right away or let it chill for a short while to allow the flavors to mingle even more deeply. Either way, you’re in for a refreshing treat packed with layers of flavor and textures.
How to Serve Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe even further, consider topping it with a few extra pine nuts or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. A few lemon zest shavings or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add brightness and enhance the herbal notes in the dressing. These small touches make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even a light fish dish like lemon herb salmon. It’s a versatile side that holds its own but also complements proteins and simple sides alike. For vegetarian meals, it’s hearty enough to be the centerpiece alongside some crusty bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or add some fun to your meal? Serve the Green Goddess Pasta Salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or small individual mason jars for easy serving and lovely presentation. You can also layer the salad with fresh greens in a trifle bowl to add a pop of color and make it visually stunning on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and meld over time, but the pine nuts might lose a bit of their crispness, so consider adding a few fresh ones just before serving leftovers.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, freezing this Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe isn’t recommended. The texture and flavor can suffer when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This salad shines cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for about 20 minutes to take the chill off before serving, but avoid heating it in the microwave to preserve the fresh and creamy qualities of the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While gemelli holds the dressing beautifully, other shapes like fusilli or rotini work just as well. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it maintains a nice texture within the salad.
Is this Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for vegans?
The classic recipe includes mayonnaise which is typically made from eggs, so it’s not vegan. However, you can swap mayo for a vegan alternative and ensure your pesto is free of cheese to make it plant-based without compromising flavor.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes! You can make the salad a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the pine nuts and chives right before serving to keep the textures fresh and crunchy.
How do I make the pesto ahead of time?
If you want to make your own basil pesto rather than using a jar, blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Just remember to store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it bright green.
What can I do if I don’t have pine nuts?
No worries! You can replace pine nuts with toasted almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds to add that satisfying crunch and a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe truly is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It’s fresh, vibrant, and versatile enough for nearly any occasion. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with your friends and family—once you do, this salad will surely become one of your cherished favorites too!
