Name: Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil; 2 tsps on everything all-purpose blend; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 (16 oz.) package your fave shortcut pasta; 1 bunch organic romaine lettuce; handful of organic arugula, optional; 2 cups roasted chickpeas; 1 cup cooked organic green peas; 1 medium haas avocado, chopped into cubes; 1 cup green goddess dressing; 1 cup shaved parmesan

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Green Goddess Pasta Salad is the vibrant, delicious answer to those cravings for a satisfying dish packed with fresh flavors and hearty textures. Imagine twirling strands of perfectly cooked pasta, doused in a creamy, herb-infused dressing, combined with crisp vegetables and wholesome chickpeas. Every bite is a burst of color and taste, with luscious avocado and crunchy roasted broccoli elevating the experience, making it perfect for lunches, picnics, or as a side dish at your next family gathering.

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

This recipe perfectly balances ease and nutrition, notably taking just about 20 minutes of prep time and another 45 minutes for cooking and baking. It’s an exciting way to jazz up your vegetable intake without feeling like you’re missing out on anything delicious. Trust me, once you try making this Green Goddess Pasta Salad at home, you’ll ditch the store-bought versions for good!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 20 minutes of prep and a quick roast, it’s ready in less than an hour!
Irresistible Flavor: A delightful medley of creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and savory roasted chickpeas hits every palate note.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant greens and colorful veggies create a beautiful, appetizing dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or a potluck celebration!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable for gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head organic broccoli: Cut into florets, it adds a wonderful crunch and nutrition. You can substitute with cauliflower for a different flavor.
2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil: This healthy fat enhances flavor and prepares the broccoli for roasting. A good-quality olive oil makes a difference!
2 tsps on everything all-purpose blend: This seasoning mix adds depth. If you prefer, you can make your own blend with sesame seeds, garlic powder, and onion powder.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: It brings a subtle smokiness that rounds out the dish beautifully.
1 (16 oz.) package your fave shortcut pasta: Choose penne, rotini, or rigatoni for a hearty base. Make sure it’s something that can hold up against the dressing.
1 bunch organic romaine lettuce: This leafy green provides a crisp base. Kale, arugula, or a mixture of greens can be great substitutes.
Handful of organic arugula (optional): Adds a unique peppery flavor and extra nutrition!
2 cups roasted chickpeas: This protein source makes the salad filling and adds a satisfying crunch. Canned chickpeas work fine; just pre-roast them!
1 cup cooked organic green peas: Fresh or frozen peas contribute to the green vibrance. Others can be used like asparagus or green beans.
1 medium Haas avocado: Chopped into cubes for creamy richness. Choose one that’s ripe but not overly soft.
1 cup green goddess dressing: Whether you make it at home or use a store-bought version, it’s essential for the flavor. Feel free to add more dressing if you prefer it creamier!
1 cup shaved parmesan: This adds a salty, umami punch. You can also use freshly grated parmesan for a fresher taste.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring easy cleanup later.

Prepare the broccoli: In a bowl, combine the broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of the On Everything blend, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Mix well until the broccoli is completely coated and vibrant.

Roast the broccoli: Transfer the seasoned broccoli onto the prepared baking sheet and roast it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be charred and crisp. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool slightly; this brings out the sweet and smoky notes.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt. Toss in your 16-ounce package of your favorite shortcut pasta and cook it according to package instructions—usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked al dente, drain it, and lightly toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool before adding it to the salad.

Chop the greens: Strip the leaves from the romaine lettuce, discarding the stems. Roughly chop the leaves, and if using arugula, add that to the mix. In a large bowl, drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chopped greens, then gently massage the leaves with your hands for about 2-3 minutes to help soften them and infuse flavor.

Combine the ingredients: In the bowl with the dressed greens, add in the roasted broccoli, 2 cups of roasted chickpeas, the cooled pasta, cubed avocado, cooked green peas, and 1 cup of shaved or grated parmesan. Toss everything together gently, ensuring each ingredient finds its place among the others. You may decide to add the Green Goddess Dressing now, or save it for when you’re serving.

Serve it up: Spoon the salad into bowl(s) and top with additional parmesan if desired. It’ll be colorful, creamy, and so inviting—what a fantastic way to enjoy a meal!

Storing & Reheating

To maintain freshness, store any leftovers of your Green Goddess Pasta Salad in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than a few hours. If you need to refrigerate it, it keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Use a glass container for a better seal. While freezing is possible, it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh as freezing may alter the texture of the pasta. If reheating, gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature until just warm enough to enjoy.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking pasta: Aim for al dente to prevent mushiness in the salad.
Choosing vegetables: Feel free to mix in your favorite greens or any seasonal vegetables available for variety.
Fresh dressing: A homemade dressing can elevate flavors considerably; consider herbs like dill or tarragon!
Dressings and greens: When combining, do it gradually to ensure you don’t overwhelm the veggies—start with a little and add more as needed.
Add protein: For a heartier option, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp to make this dish a complete meal.

This Green Goddess Pasta Salad encapsulates everything delightful about fresh, hearty food. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it’s also packed with nutrients and wonderful textures that will have everyone at your table coming back for more. Play with the ingredients, try new variations, and enjoy this vibrant dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be assembled a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep the greens from getting soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors meld beautifully in the fridge for a few hours.

What can I substitute for roasted chickpeas?

If you’re not keen on chickpeas, consider using roasted and salted nuts for crunch or baked tofu cubes as a protein-rich alternative. You can also add cooked beans, like black beans or cannellini beans, for a similar texture.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety! There are delightful options available made from chickpeas, lentils, or quinoa that will hold up beautifully with the dressing.

Can this salad be served warm?

While it’s traditionally served at room temperature or cold, there’s no rule stopping you from enjoying it warm! Just combine the components while they’re still warm for a cozy twist on this vibrant salad.