Green Goddess Pasta Salad is the ultimate comfort dish wrapped in vibrant greens and cheerful veggies. Picture delightful pasta highlighted by the earthy goodness of roasted broccoli, chickpeas, tender peas, and creamy avocado, all drizzled lavishly with a luscious green goddess dressing. The combination not only tastes incredible but also makes for a stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes, sure to brighten up any gathering or family dinner.

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

This recipe is close to my heart as it combines fresh ingredients and flavors that always hit the spot, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a fun potluck dish. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy day, yet satisfying enough to serve to company. The balance between crunch and creaminess provides something for everyone- even the pickiest of eaters can’t resist! I wholeheartedly invite you to give this Green Goddess Pasta Salad a try; you won’t be disappointed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour; perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The roasted broccoli, savory chickpeas, and creamy avocado create a mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make this salad a showstopper on any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side dish, lunch, or a light dinner—great for meal prep too!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan diets and offers gluten-free pasta options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets: Adds a nice crunch and is packed with nutrients. Broccolini can substitute if desired.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For roasting broccoli and drizzling over greens for flavor. Avocado oil is also a great alternative.
2 teaspoons On Everything all-purpose blend: Enhances the salad with a savory, herby note. You can buy a blend or make your own using spices you have on hand.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky flavor that elevates roasted veggies. Sweet paprika works in a pinch.
1 (16 oz.) package your favorite shortcut pasta: Penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best—just pick what you love most.
1 bunch organic romaine lettuce: Provides a nice base. Feel free to swap with different greens like baby kale or arugula for a twist.
Handful of organic arugula, optional: A peppery addition that complements the salad wonderfully.
2 cups roasted chickpeas: Adds protein and texture. Use canned for convenience or roast your own for extra flavor.
1 cup cooked organic green peas: These offer a pop of sweetness and brightness. Substitute with any other green veggie you adore.
1 medium Haas avocado, chopped into cubes: Creamy texture and healthy fats. If preferred, you can use diced cucumber for a lighter touch.
1 cup green goddess dressing, homemade or store-bought: The star of the show! Homemade dressing packs more flavor—choose your favorite recipe or brand.
1 cup shaved Parmesan: This adds a lovely, salty richness. Freshly grated cheese can also be a good replacement.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven hot ensures that your broccoli will roast nicely.

Prepare broccoli: In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli florets, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of On Everything blend, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika until they are all coated evenly.

Roast the broccoli: Spread the coated broccoli onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the edges are slightly charred and crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on it for the final minutes to avoid burning. Once done, let it cool slightly.

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil with a pinch of salt. Add 16 ounces of your favorite shortcut pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and let it cool before adding it to the salad.

Chop your greens: Strip the leaves from the bunch of romaine lettuce, discarding the stems. Roughly chop the leaves, and if you’re including the arugula, chop that up too.

Massage the greens: Place the chopped greens in a large bowl and drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them. Using clean hands, gently rub the greens together for about 2-3 minutes. This step softens the leaves and amplifies their natural flavors.

Combine ingredients: To the bowl of massaged greens, add your roasted broccoli, 2 cups of roasted chickpeas, cooled pasta, 1 cup of cubed avocado, 1 cup of cooked peas, and 1 cup of shaved Parmesan.

Dress your salad: Toss everything together with the green goddess dressing, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. You can also set aside the dressing until serving for a less soggy salad.

Serve and enjoy: Transfer the salad to serving bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, keep the Green Goddess Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For even longer storage, consider freezing the salad without the dressing—this can last up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, but expect the texture to change a bit with freezing. You can refresh the flavors by adding a bit more dressing or a squeeze of lemon when serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure the broccoli is roasted to your liking—don’t shy away from a good char for extra flavor!
Always rinse pasta with cold water after cooking if you plan on letting it cool, as this prevents further cooking and sticking.
Use fresh herbs in the dressing for a vibrant flavor boost; cilantro or green onions can be fantastic additions.
Adjust the dressing as needed based on personal preference. A touch more lemon juice adds brightness.
Feel free to add or swap in seasonal veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to keep the salad exciting.
This salad makes fantastic leftovers or meal prep option for the week!

Enjoy the vibrant flavors and delightful textures of this creamy and crunchy dish, perfect for flexing your culinary skills while bringing a fresh taste to your table. Let yourself get creative with the ingredients, and savor the good food life!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare all the ingredients ahead, store them in separate containers, and toss everything together just before serving. This way, your greens will remain crisp and fresh!

What can I substitute for the green goddess dressing?

If you don’t have green goddess dressing, a simple vinaigrette or creamy ranch can work well. Mixing avocado with yogurt and herbs also makes a lovely alternative.

How can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

This salad is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by opting for dairy-free cheese or leaving it out altogether.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are excellent. They hold the dressing and mix well with the other ingredients. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed!

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Green Goddess Pasta Salad

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

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Description

This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and roasted chickpeas, all tossed in a creamy green goddess dressing. An ideal choice for a quick dinner or a healthy lunch, this dish shines with its irresistible flavor and simple preparation, making it a must-try for any food lover.

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 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine the broccoli florets, olive oil, On Everything Blend, and smoked paprika, mixing until the broccoli is well coated.
Spread the coated broccoli on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until charred and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Notes

You can use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini.
Feel free to substitute the romaine lettuce with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
Add more green goddess dressing to taste based on your preference.