20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

Whip up a quick, refreshing meal with the 20-Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad, where summer greens and herbs meet creamy avocado.
20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe
This bright and tasty vegan recipe is both dairy-free and nut-free. It’s easy to make and only needs one pot. You can use any pasta and fresh herbs you like, and the green goddess dressing adds a delicious touch. Perfect for a quick summer meal or a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 lb pasta (I used fusilli pasta, but use what you like including gluten-free options)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, optional
- 1, 15 oz can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups cabbage, diced or shredded
- 3 Persian cucumbers, sliced
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
- Goddess Dressing
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dry dill
- 3 green onions, the white part roughly chopped and the green portion thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 large avocado
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- Kosher salt
How to make Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously.
- Add in pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- Cool the Pasta
- Drain the pasta and add back to the pot with a handful of ice cubes and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Mix to combine and cool the pasta.
- Make the Dressing
- Combine the basil, spinach, dill, the white portion of the green onion, nutritional yeast, garlic, avocado, vinegar, lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Blend until smooth and then set aside.
- Prepare the Salad
- To the cooled pasta add the chickpeas, cabbage, cucumber, and the sliced green parts of the green onion.
- Combine and Serve
- Pour in the dressing and toss to combine.
- Taste and add more salt if desired then serve.
Enjoy your refreshing pasta salad with green goddess dressing!
Serving Suggestions
- Panko Crusted Tofu
- Vegan Sausage
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chickpea Patties
- Crispy Baked Tofu
Tips and Tricks
- Generously salt your pasta water as it enhances the flavor of the pasta and the overall dish.
- Use an avocado that is just slightly ripe to prevent the dressing from becoming brown too quickly.
- Experiment with different herb combinations to find your preferred flavor profile. Using fresh, in-season herbs will give the best results.