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+ servings
Bertha Jones

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Bright, creamy, and ready in about 20 minutes, this pasta salad combines pantry staples into a vibrant, make-ahead meal perfect for lunches, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan
Calories: 415

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 1 lb pasta (fusilli used here; any shape or gluten-free option) Cook slightly less than package directions to hold up after cooling.
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
  • 2 cups cabbage, diced or shredded
  • 3 Persian cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (optional) Seeds removed for less heat.
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 1 cup spinach
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • 3 green onions (white parts roughly chopped; green parts thinly sliced)
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast Adds a savory, cheesy note; can be skipped or replaced with grated Parmesan.
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 large avocado
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp water To adjust dressing consistency.
  • 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
Optional Additions
  • Extra virgin olive oil a drizzle (optional) For cooling the pasta.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente.
  3. Drain pasta, return to the pot, add a handful of ice cubes and a drizzle of olive oil, and toss to stop the cooking and cool quickly.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a blender or food processor, combine basil, spinach, dill, chopped white parts of green onion, nutritional yeast, garlic, avocado, white wine vinegar, lemon juice and zest, 2 tbsp water, and a pinch of kosher salt.
  2. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust lemon, salt, or water for desired consistency.
Combining All Ingredients
  1. To the cooled pasta, add rinsed chickpeas, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño (if using), and the sliced green parts of green onion.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Taste and add more salt, lemon, or nutritional yeast as needed. Serve immediately or chill for an hour to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 14gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 250mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3g

Notes

For optimal texture, store dressing separately if making ahead; toss within 24 hours. Keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

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