Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing take on traditional pasta salads that can brighten any table. With its hearty mix of fresh greens, roasted chickpeas, and a luscious green goddess dressing that ties everything together, this pasta salad shines in taste and texture. Just imagine digging into a bowl brimming with colorful ingredients, where each bite gives you a satisfying crunch from the veggies, creaminess from the avocado, and a delightful pop from the chickpeas.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Green Goddess Pasta Salad

I remember the first time I made this dish; it was for a family gathering in the spring. Everyone was outside enjoying the warm weather, and I thought this would be the perfect addition to the spread. The lightness of the salad paired with the robust flavors made it a crowd-pleaser, and it quickly became a staple for picnics and potlucks. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and suitable for any occasion. Whether it’s a sunny day in the park or a cozy dinner at home, Green Goddess Pasta Salad is sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this together in just 20 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking—perfect for any busy weeknight!
Irresistible Flavor: The roasted broccoli adds a smoky crunch, while the creamy avocado melds beautifully with the fresh greens.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors make this salad as pleasant to the eye as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a filling lunch, a side dish at your next barbecue, or a light dinner with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets: This adds a lovely crunch and is packed with nutrients. Feel free to use any broccoli you can find, but organic ensures it’s free of pesticides.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: A healthy fat that adds richness and flavor. Always go for high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil for the best taste.
2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend: This seasoning blend adds depth to the veggies. You can purchase a pre-made mix or make your own at home (see notes for a recipe).
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoky and slightly sweet, this spice enhances the roasted broccoli’s flavor. Regular paprika can work, but smoked gives that extra oomph.
1 (16 oz.) package your favorite shortcut pasta: Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well in this recipe. Choose whatever you love—this salad is flexible!
1 bunch organic romaine lettuce: This provides the base and a refreshing crunch. If preferred, switch it out for kale, arugula, or a mixed greens blend.
Handful of organic arugula, optional: Adds a peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the other ingredients.
2 cups roasted chickpeas: These are protein-packed and create a delightful crunch. You can roast your own or use store-bought for convenience.
1 cup cooked organic green peas: They add sweetness and color. If you prefer, feel free to substitute with other green veggies like snap peas or green beans.
1 medium Haas avocado, chopped into cubes: It’s creamy and rich, making the salad heartier. Use ripe avocados for the best texture.
1 cup green goddess dressing, homemade or store-bought: This dressing is what ties all the ingredients together. Homemade is often fresher, but store-bought works in a pinch.
1 cup shaved parmesan: Adds nuttiness and umami. For a different taste, use freshly grated parmesan instead.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Season the broccoli: In a bowl, combine the broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of On Everything Blend, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Toss until the broccoli is thoroughly coated with this lovely mixture.

Roast the broccoli: Spread the seasoned broccoli onto the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the florets are charred and almost crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly.

Cook the pasta: While the broccoli roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 16 oz. of shortcut pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions, generally around 8-10 minutes. Once al dente, drain and toss with a little olive oil to keep from sticking as it cools.

Prepare the greens: Next, strip the leaves from the bunch of romaine lettuce, discarding the stems if you haven’t already. Roughly chop the leaves and if you’re using arugula, chop that too, then place them in a large bowl. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the greens and rub them gently with your hands for 2-3 minutes to soften them and meld the flavors.

Combine the salad: In the bowl with the greens, add the roasted broccoli, 2 cups of roasted chickpeas, the cooled pasta, 1 cup of cubed avocado, 1 cup of cooked green peas, and your 1 cup of green goddess dressing. Toss everything together gently. You can either mix in the dressing now or serve it on the side for an extra drizzle later.

Serve it up: Scoop the vibrant salad into bowls, adding additional shaved parmesan on top to make it even more inviting.

Bon Appetit!

Storing & Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pack in a freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and serve cold. Be mindful that freezing may change the texture of the veggies, but a quick toss of fresh greens can revive the freshness when serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always roast the broccoli until it’s slightly charred; this enhances its flavor immensely and adds the perfect texture.
Use fresh herbs in your green goddess dressing for a vibrant taste—basil and parsley work beautifully!
Consider cooking the pasta slightly underdone; it will continue to soften when mixed with the warm roasted broccoli.
If you find your salad too dry after refrigeration, just add a bit more dressing before serving—it’s a simple fix that rejuvenates it.
This salad is even better the next day as the flavors meld—so it’s perfect for meal prep!

Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful choice that’s packed with flavors everyone will love. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore new tastes and enjoy nutritious ingredients. So, gather your fresh produce and wholesome pasta, and get ready to be amazed!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! To keep this dish vegan, simply leave out the parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. The green goddess dressing can also be made without dairy.

How can I store leftovers properly?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. You can also freeze it, but note that the texture of some ingredients may change. Just thaw and serve cold!

What can I substitute for chickpeas?

If you’re not a fan of chickpeas or need an alternative, try using roasted lentils, nuts, or seeds. Each option brings its own flair to the salad and keeps the protein content high.

Can I make the green goddess dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The salad dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Making it in advance allows the flavors to develop, making your salad even more delicious!

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Green Goddess Pasta Salad

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

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Description

Experience the delightful flavors of this Green Goddess Pasta Salad, featuring refreshing broccoli, creamy avocado, and a homemade dressing. Ideal for a quick and healthy meal, it’s sure to please everyone at your table!

Ingredients

Scale

1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets
2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
2 tsps on everything all-purpose blend
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 (16 oz.) package your fave shortcut pasta
1 bunch organic romaine lettuce
handful of organic arugula, optional
2 cups roasted chickpeas
1 cup cooked organic green peas
1 medium haas avocado, chopped into cubes
1 cup green goddess dressing
1 cup shaved parmesan

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine broccoli florets, olive oil, everything blend, and smoked paprika, mixing until broccoli is well-coated.
Transfer the coated broccoli to the baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until charred and crispy. Allow it to cool slightly.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the greens with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
You can use any type of shortcut pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini.