green goddess pasta salad recipe

Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

Views: 1

This colorful pasta salad is a hit on social media, thanks to its vibrant look and tangy taste. It’s made with a unique green goddess dressing. The dressing blends cashews for creaminess and nutritional yeast for a rich flavour. You can prepare it in advance and add your choice of veggies, beans, or croutons. Choose medium shells for pasta to catch peas and olives in every bite.

This vegan pasta salad is perfect for summer events. It mixes fresh herbs, lemon juice, and cashews for a delightful taste. It’s ideal for BBQs or picnics and is easy to make. Your guests will love it.

The Versatile Green Goddess Dressing

Making a standout pasta salad? The dressing makes all the difference. The star here is the green goddess dressing, famous for its vibrant flavour. Unlike traditional recipes, this version is vegan. It uses blended cashews and nutritional yeast instead of mayo and sour cream for creaminess and a cheesy flavour.

This vibrant vegan dressing isn’t just tasty; it’s full of good stuff. Blended cashews make it smooth, and nutritional yeast adds a deep, cheese-like taste. Fresh herbs like basil and spinach give it an herbaceous flavour. Perfect for dressing up pasta salad.

What’s great about this dressing is how versatile it is. It’s perfect for creamy green goddess pasta salad, but there’s more. Use it on roasted veggies, as a dip, or in grain salads. Its bold taste and green colour enhance any dish.

You can make green goddess dressing ahead. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. This is ideal for meal prep or for a quick, homemade dressing. You avoid additives and preservatives this way.

Ready to try making green goddess dressing yourself? The recipe is below:

Green Goddess Dressing Recipe

Ingredients Instructions
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
  2. In a blender, combine cashews, basil, spinach, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, and water.
  3. Blend until it’s smooth and creamy.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
  5. Put the dressing in a jar and chill. Use when needed.

Customizing the Pasta Salad

This pasta salad can be changed to fit what you like and need. Here’s how to make it special:

  1. Vegetable Options: You can pick from many green veggies instead of just spinach or arugula. Think about green beans, broccoli, or even fresh peas. These choices bring new textures and flavors.
  2. Enhancing the Dressing: If you can’t have dairy, try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It keeps the dressing tasty and creamy, perfect for vegans.
  3. Protein Boost: Add drained white beans for more protein. This makes the salad hearty and keeps you full longer.
  4. Crunchy Homemade Croutons: Make your croutons for an extra crunch. Toast bread cubes with olive oil and garlic powder. Add them to the salad right before eating for a delightful bite.

Don’t be afraid to mix things up with different veggies, proteins, and extras. This recipe works with any short pasta, not just shells. Create a pasta salad that’s truly your own.

customizable pasta salad

Making the Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Start by collecting all your ingredients and prepare the Green Goddess dressing. You will then combine them to make a tasty pasta salad. The cooking steps are easy, guaranteeing the best taste and texture.

Pasta and Vegetable Preparation

First, boil 8 ounces of gemelli pasta as the packet says, until al dente. While it cooks, get your veggies ready. Trim and slice 12 thin asparagus spears into 2-inch bits. To slightly cook the asparagus, add it to the pasta 2 minutes before the pasta is done. This makes the asparagus bright and a bit soft.

Next, mix the pasta and asparagus with 1 1/2 cups of peas, a sliced fennel bulb, and 6 ounces of green olives in a big bowl. Add 1 cup of parsley or cilantro, 1/2 cup of basil or tarragon, and 1/2 cup of chives or scallions. These herbs add fresh flavors.

Tossing the Salad

Now, mix in the Green Goddess dressing so everything is well coated. Add the dressing till you’re happy with the creaminess. Toss gently, so all the bits are dressed. The green color and smells will excite your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy the Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. It works as either a main dish or a refreshingly cool side dish for gatherings or picnics.

To make it look amazing, add some arugula, salad cress, or micro herbs on top. You could also try toppings like Parmesan, croutons, or white beans for more protein.

This Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad lets your cooking creativity flow. You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Make it vegan with cashews or use mayonnaise and sour cream for the dressing. It’s a hit with everyone.

For more creative takes on the Green Goddess Pasta Salad or for more culinary ideas, visit these sites:

Don’t forget, you can make this pasta salad ahead of time. Just store it in sealed containers for up to three days. It’s perfect for meal planning or to enjoy as leftovers. Try making this delicious and refreshing pasta salad today!

Conclusion

The creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad is perfect for gatherings. It is refreshing and vibrant, ideal for outdoor parties. This salad combines lentil or chickpea pasta noodles with tasty Green Goddess dressing.

The dressing is made with spinach, basil, garlic, and olive oil. It adds vibrant flavors to the salad. You can make it in advance, which is handy for planning.

You can customize the Green Goddess Pasta Salad to suit your taste. Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or roasted bell peppers. You can also top it with fresh arugula and optional vegan feta for extra flavor.

For more details and to try the Green Goddess Pasta Salad recipe, visit these links: essycooks.com/green-goddess-pasta-salad-recipe, essycooks.com/viral-green-goddess-salad-recipe-easy, and tsgcookin.com/green-goddess-salad-dressing.

FAQ

Can the dressing be made in advance?

Yes, you can make the dressing earlier and keep it in the fridge.

Can I customize the vegetables in the pasta salad?

Absolutely! You’re free to use different green veg like green beans, broccoli, and celery, to name a few.

Can I substitute nutritional yeast with something else?

Yes, Parmesan is a great swap for nutritional yeast. It adds a creamy texture and a rich taste.

Can I add protein to the pasta salad?

Certainly! Adding drained white beans boosts the protein, making it an ideal vegan dish.

Can I add crunch to the pasta Ksalad?

Yes, try adding homemade croutons for a nice crunch, similar to a panzanella.

How long can the pasta salad be refrigerated for?

You can chill the pasta salad for up to 3 days. It’s great for preparing meals ahead of time.

Author

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *