Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a celebration of fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures. This dish is not just about tossing together some pasta and veggies; it’s a wholesome medley featuring roasted broccoli, hearty chickpeas, and the creamy delight of avocado, all drizzled in a luscious green goddess dressing. The earthy tones of the ingredients come alive with each bite, making it a perfect side dish for gatherings or a filling meal on its own.

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

I first discovered the magic of Green Goddess Pasta Salad during a sunny picnic with friends. The combination of crunchy greens and tender pasta took center stage, and I realized this dish was not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. With its fresh ingredients and flavorful dressing, this salad became a staple in my kitchen. So whether you’re hosting a barbecue, packing a lunch, or simply craving something deliciously refreshing, this recipe is your go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just 20 minutes for prep and about 45 minutes total.
Irresistible Flavor: The roasted broccoli paired with the creamy dressing creates a deliciously satisfying taste and texture.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green colors invite you to dig in!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light lunch at home.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or vegan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets: Fresh broccoli adds a delightful crunch and is rich in vitamins. You can substitute with cauliflower for a different twist.
2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil: This enhances flavor and helps roast the broccoli. Choose high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
2 tsps on everything all-purpose blend: This seasoning adds layers of flavor. You can buy a ready-made blend or mix garlic powder, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: A smoky undertone elevates the entire dish. You can replace it with sweet paprika for a milder flavor.
1 (16 oz.) package shortcut pasta: Opt for pasta like penne or rotini; their shapes hold dressings and ingredients well.
1 bunch organic romaine lettuce: This provides a fresh crunch. Alternatively, use kale for a more robust flavor.
Handful of organic arugula, optional: Adds a peppery bite. You can also use spinach if arugula isn’t available.
2 cups roasted chickpeas: A protein-packed addition. Roast them with spices for extra flavor; canned chickpeas work in a pinch but won’t have the crunch.
1 cup cooked organic green peas: Sweetness balances out the salad. Feel free to swap these with edamame or any green veggies you have on hand.
1 medium Haas avocado, chopped into cubes: Creamy avocados add richness to the salad.
1 cup green goddess dressing, homemade or store-bought: This dressing ties the salad together, so go for fresh and flavorful, whether homemade or your favorite brand.
1 cup shaved parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast instead.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is key for roasting the broccoli to perfection.

Prepare the Broccoli: In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of the on everything all-purpose blend, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika until evenly coated. This step ensures each floret bursts with flavor.

Roast the Broccoli: Spread the coated broccoli onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are charred and crispy. The roasting brings out a deeper flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Cook the Pasta: While the broccoli roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your shortcut pasta and cook according to package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and lightly toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Let it cool.

Prep the Greens: Remove the stems from the romaine lettuce and chop the leaves roughly. If you’re using arugula, toss that in too. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chopped greens, and using your clean hands, gently rub the leaves for 2-3 minutes. This softens the greens and releases their flavors.

Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the roasted broccoli, 2 cups of roasted chickpeas, the cooled pasta, cubed avocado, and cooked green peas. Pour in 1 cup of green goddess dressing and toss everything together. You can add more dressing if needed when serving.

Serve Your Salad: Transfer the salad to individual bowls or a large serving dish. If desired, top with additional shaved parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Green Goddess Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3 days. If you need to freeze it, do so in an airtight container, and it should keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, microwave it for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through, but note that the texture of the greens may soften. To refresh it, consider adding more dressing right before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When roasting, allow space between the broccoli florets on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly rather than steam.
For the best flavor, use room temperature ingredients when possible, especially olive oil and dressings.
Set a timer when cooking pasta to avoid overcooking; it should be al dente for the best bite.
Make the salad ahead of time but keep the avocado and dressing separate until just before serving to prevent browning.
Experiment with the veggies! Fresh asparagus or zucchini can also be delicious additions.

The blend of flavors and textures in this Green Goddess Pasta Salad is sure to impress everyone at your table. Plus, making it is a breeze, so you can focus on savoring—and perhaps sharing—a delicious meal with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to get creative; let your imagination run wild and make this salad uniquely yours.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the roasted broccoli, cooked pasta, and chopped greens separately, then combine them with the dressing just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.

What can I substitute for the chickpeas?

If chickpeas aren’t your thing, try using canned kidney beans or black beans for a different flavor but still a good source of protein. Alternatively, you could opt for grilled chicken if you prefer meat.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply choose a gluten-free pasta variety. Many brands make excellent gluten-free pastas that hold up well in salads.

Can I use another dressing?

Yes! While the green goddess dressing is ideal, you can swap it out for your favorite vinaigrette. A lemony or herby dressing complements the salad flavors beautifully.