Name: 20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fusilli pasta (or any preferred pasta, including gluten-free options); 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 2 cups cabbage, diced or shredded; 3 Persian cucumbers, sliced; 1 jalapeño, diced (optional); 3 green onions, white part roughly chopped, green portion thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1 cup fresh spinach; 2 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill); 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, to taste; Extra virgin olive oil, optional (for tossing the pasta after cooking)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 25 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying pasta salad that comes together in no time, this 20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with verdant greens, creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty homemade green goddess dressing, this dish manages to be both nourishing and delightfully refreshing. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a casual get-together, or need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a show-stopping salad that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients placed on a white marbled surface with a wooden board in the middle. There are two cucumbers lying horizontally above the wooden board near the top right, with a couple of green onions placed diagonally above them. Below the cucumbers is a dark green jalapeño pepper next to a cup filled with bright green spinach leaves. To the right side of the wooden board, there is a small white bowl filled with beige chickpeas and another small white bowl with finely ground yellow powder. At the left bottom corner of the wooden board, there is a large, thick, round sliced cabbage showing its white and pale green layers. Just above the cabbage, a measuring cup filled with dark green basil leaves is placed, with the handle facing the top. A lemon and an avocado sit near the top left corner, and a white bag of pasta is positioned near the bottom left. A half-full measuring cup with liquid sits near the bottom right of the wooden board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients will ensure each bite is packed with flavor, texture, and color. Every component plays its part, from the al dente pasta providing the perfect base to the fresh herbs delivering that unmistakable green goddess zing.

1 lb pasta: Fusilli works great for holding onto the dressing, but feel free to use your favorite shape or a gluten-free variety.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (optional): Adds a subtle richness and helps keep the pasta from sticking once cooked.
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained: A hearty, protein-packed addition that adds texture and nutrition.
2 cups cabbage, diced or shredded: Adds crunch and a mild sweetness, balancing the bold flavors.
3 Persian cucumbers, sliced: Cool and crisp, they bring a refreshing bite to the salad.
1 jalapeno, diced (optional): For those who love a gentle kick to brighten the dish.
1 cup fresh basil: The star herbal ingredient lending that classic green goddess herbal freshness.
1 cup spinach: Adds vibrant color and subtle earthiness while boosting nutrition.
2 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dry dill: Dill offers a unique aromatic lift that complements the other greens perfectly.
3 green onions, white part roughly chopped and green portion thinly sliced: Provides a mild onion flavor in both the dressing and salad mix.
3 tbsp nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor without dairy, perfect for a vegan twist.
3 cloves garlic, crushed: Infuses bold, savory undertones in the dressing.
1 large avocado: The creamy base for the dressing, giving it a luscious texture and richness.
2 tbsp white wine vinegar: Brings brightness and a gentle tang that balances the dish.
2 tbsp water: Used to loosen the dressing to just the right consistency.
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon: Essential for fresh citrus zing that wakes up all the flavors.
Kosher salt: To taste, enhancing every ingredient.

How to Make 20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by heating a large pot of water until it reaches a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt – this step flavors the pasta from within. Toss in your pasta and cook it just until al dente, meaning it still has a nice little bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately return it to the pot along with a handful of ice cubes and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This cool-down trick is a game changer, stopping the pasta from overcooking and keeping it perfectly tender for your salad.

Step 2: Whip Up the Green Goddess Dressing

While the pasta is cooling, assemble your vibrant dressing in a blender or food processor. Combine the fresh basil, spinach, dill, the white part of the green onions, nutritional yeast, crushed garlic, creamy avocado, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, zest, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Blend everything until completely smooth, creating a luscious, herb-packed dressing that’s both decadent and healthy. Set it aside to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Once the pasta is cooled to the touch, add your chickpeas, crunchy cabbage, cooling cucumber slices, and the green onion tops. Pour over the green goddess dressing and toss everything together until each bite is coated in that irresistible herbaceous goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Your 20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve 20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

The image shows a pot filled with layers of food ingredients. At the bottom, there is a layer of light-colored spiral pasta. On top of the pasta, the ingredients are arranged in sections: golden-brown chickpeas in the upper right, bright green chopped spring onions in the lower left, sliced cucumber rounds with dark green skin in the lower center, and pale green chopped cabbage on the right. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding thoughtful garnishes elevates this salad into a truly delightful experience. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a bit of crunch, or a handful of halved cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness and color. Fresh herbs like parsley or extra dill scattered over the top provide an inviting aroma and refinement.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad shines both as a star dish or paired alongside a main course. Serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a nourishing meal. It’s also fantastic with warm crusty bread or pita on the side for scooping up every last bit of the delicious dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, assemble the salad in a large glass bowl to show off the vibrant layers of greens and vegetables, or serve individual portions in hollowed cucumbers or mini bell peppers for a pretty party appetizer. You can even make it a picnic-star by packing it in mason jars, making it easy to transport and visually stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, no worries! This salad keeps beautifully in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but it’s best enjoyed while the veggies remain crisp, so munch sooner rather than later for the best texture.

Freezing

This is a fresh salad best enjoyed soon after making, so freezing is not recommended. The creamy avocado dressing and raw vegetables don’t fare well in the freezer, as they tend to separate and become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so avoid reheating. If preferred, simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes in the 20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! While fusilli is fantastic for holding onto the dressing, penne, rotini, or even small shells work great. Just choose a shape that you love and adapt as you please.

Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan thanks to the avocado and nutritional yeast-based dressing, and you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta to keep it gluten-free as well.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours before serving and keep it refrigerated. Just mix everything together close to serving time to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How spicy is the jalapeno in the salad?

The jalapeno adds a gentle kick, but you can adjust or omit it based on your heat preference. Removing the seeds and membranes will also reduce the heat significantly.

What can I substitute if I don’t have nutritional yeast?

If you don’t have nutritional yeast on hand, grated Parmesan cheese is a tasty substitute if you’re not keeping the dish vegan. Otherwise, you can increase the herbs a bit to maintain that umami punch.

Final Thoughts

Embracing simple, fresh ingredients and throwing them together quickly, the 20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe is a personal favorite I find myself returning to again and again. It’s an effortless dish that feels like a special treat, delivering vibrant flavors and textures in every bite. I hope you give it a try, whether for a sunny lunch or your next gathering. Once you taste it, I bet it will become one of your go-to recipes just like it did for me!

20 Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need