Save 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.
I love making this salad when I want something fresh yet filling My family always enjoys the creamy dressing paired with crisp vegetables and hearty protein
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
Save This salad always brings the family together especially during holiday meals We enjoy it chilled as a refreshing side or a light main dish
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
Dietary Notes
This recipe is vegetarian and high protein Can be made vegan and dairy-free by swapping ingredients as noted
Save Enjoy this colorful salad as a perfect balance of creamy dressing fresh vegetables and satisfying protein
Recipe Help
- → What pasta works best for this salad?
Whole wheat or chickpea pasta provides a hearty, nutritious base with added protein and fiber, perfectly complementing the fresh vegetables and dressing.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swapping Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives creates a creamy, dairy-free dressing without sacrificing flavor.
- → How long should the salad chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to coat the ingredients evenly for a refreshing taste.
- → Are there protein alternatives in this dish?
Besides chickpeas and edamame, grilled chicken or tofu can be used as alternate protein sources for different preferences.
- → What herbs enhance the green goddess dressing?
Fresh parsley, basil, and chives provide the herbaceous notes that define the dressing’s vibrant, fresh flavor.