Description
This creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with wholesome ingredients. A herby Greek yogurt dressing coats tender pasta, chickpeas, and crunchy vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta (fusilli, rotini, farfalle)
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz / 400 g can – drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup green olives, halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or thick non-dairy yogurt)
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 packed cup fresh herbs (mix basil, parsley, and a little dill)
- 2 packed cups baby spinach (or arugula)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan (or nutritional yeast)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water for 10 seconds. Set aside.
- To a blender, add the Greek yogurt, avocado, fresh herbs, baby spinach, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, grated parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to create a creamy and pourable dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green olives, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until evenly coated.
- Top with walnuts and serve immediately, or chill before serving for a colder pasta salad.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use non-dairy yogurt and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Add cooked tofu or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Arugula gives the dressing a slightly peppery flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a splash of water or lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil and Blend
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
