Green Goddess Pasta Salad: Creamy & Fresh Herbs (Print Version)

Fresh Green Goddess Pasta Salad with a creamy, herby dressing. My kitchen's favorite easy side dish, perfect for picnics or a light weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Veggies

01 - 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini)
02 - 1 cup English cucumber, diced
03 - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
04 - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

→ Green Goddess Dressing Base

05 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
06 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
07 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Fresh Herb Power

09 - 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
10 - 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
11 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

→ Flavor Boosters & Garnish

12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that big pot of water boiling for your pasta. Seriously, don't skimp on the salt here; you want the water to taste like the ocean. Cook your short pasta according to package directions, but aim for a minute under al dente. This is where I always remind myself not to overcook it, because mushy pasta in a salad? No thank you! Once it's done, drain it and rinse it really well under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This is crucial for a great Green Goddess Pasta Salad, trust me!
02 - While the pasta is chilling, let's get that glorious dressing going. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon juice. Oh, the smell of that lemon! Then, mince your garlic and toss it in. Add your chopped fresh chives, parsley, and basil. I always take a moment to just breathe in all those fresh herb aromas; it's honestly the best part. Whisk until it's all beautifully combined and looks like a creamy, pale green dream. Don't worry if it's not perfectly smooth; a few herb flecks are lovely.
03 - Now for the crunch! Finely chop your green onions, celery, and English cucumber. I try to make them roughly the same size so every bite of Green Goddess Pasta Salad gets a bit of everything. There was one time I got distracted and cut the celery into huge chunks, and it totally overpowered the salad. Live and learn, right? Just aim for nice, manageable pieces here. This step smells so fresh, like a garden!
04 - In a large mixing bowl, gently add your cooled pasta. Now, pour that vibrant Green Goddess dressing all over it. This is where the magic happens! Add your chopped green onions, celery, and cucumber. I always get a little excited at this point, seeing all those colors come together. Be gentle as you stir, you don't want to break up the pasta too much. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious dressing.
05 - Time for the final touches! Season your Green Goddess Pasta Salad with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Start with a little, then taste. And taste again! This is where you make it *yours*. Maybe you want a little more salt, or a touch more pepper? I've definitely over-salted things before, so go slow and adjust. You want those flavors to sing, not shout.
06 - Once seasoned to perfection, cover the bowl and pop your Green Goddess Pasta Salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. An hour is even better! This chilling time allows all those amazing flavors to meld and deepen. It truly tastes better cold. When you pull it out, it should look vibrant, smell incredibly fresh, and be ready to be devoured. Give it one last stir before serving, and enjoy your beautiful creation!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the pasta! A minute under al dente works wonders for pasta salads.
02 - Make the dressing a day ahead; the flavors really meld and deepen beautifully.
03 - Greek yogurt is a fantastic lighter swap for some mayo, giving a tangy kick.
04 - Serve this Green Goddess Pasta Salad chilled, maybe with a sprinkle of extra chives.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - colander
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife
06 - large mixing bowl
07 - airtight container

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 8g

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