Pin A vibrant, nutrient-packed pasta salad featuring a creamy green goddess dressing, crisp vegetables, and protein-rich ingredients perfect for festive gatherings or a healthy meal any time.
This salad quickly became a favorite in my household for its fresh flavors and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Protein: 250 g (9 oz) whole wheat or chickpea pasta, 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) chickpeas drained and rinsed, 200 g (7 oz) cooked edamame beans (shelled)
- Vegetables: 1 small cucumber diced, 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 small avocado diced, 2 spring onions thinly sliced, 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- Green Goddess Dressing: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative, 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 clove garlic minced, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup fresh chives, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh basil, Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl combine cooked pasta chickpeas edamame cucumber spinach cherry tomatoes avocado spring onions parsley and basil.
- Step 3:
- Prepare the dressing In a blender or food processor combine Greek yogurt mayonnaise olive oil garlic lemon juice apple cider vinegar chives parsley and basil Blend until smooth Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4:
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Step 6:
- Serve garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Pin This dish brings our family together especially during holidays when everyone enjoys a fresh healthy option.
Notes
For added crunch sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top Swap chickpeas for grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein source Can be made dairy-free and vegan by using plant-based yogurt and mayo Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Blender or food processor Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 19 g per serving
Pin This pasta salad is a colorful wholesome dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, substituting with gluten-free pasta works well and keeps the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → How can I make the dressing vegan?
Replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives to create a creamy, vegan-friendly dressing.
- → Is it possible to add other protein sources?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or tofu can replace chickpeas to vary the protein profile.
- → What herbs are best for the dressing?
Fresh parsley, basil, and chives add bright, herbal notes that define the green goddess dressing.
- → How long should the salad chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 15 minutes allows flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
