There’s something comforting about a good pasta salad, especially when it’s packed with vibrant greens and flavors like this Green Goddess Pasta Salad. This dish boasts a delightful combination of roasted veggies, hearty pasta, and creamy dressing, making it a refreshing yet satisfying option for any meal. The charred broccoli adds a fantastic crunch, while the avocado brings a creamy element that pairs beautifully with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next potluck or just want a delicious meal prepped for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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

I first stumbled upon the notion of a green goddess dressing at my local cafe, where it was delightfully drizzled over a similar pasta dish. Intrigued, I thought, “I need this at home!” A few experiments later, I crafted a version that’s not just easy but also adaptable to what I had on hand. Plus, who can resist the appeal of a dish that brightens up the table with its stunning colors? I promise this one will keep you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 65 minutes — perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: Roasted broccoli, creamy avocado, and the zing of green goddess dressing create a taste explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant greens mixed with pasta and colorful veggies make this dish a visual delight.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a side dish at BBQs, a nourishing lunch, or even a light dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable; consider gluten-free pasta or a dairy-free dressing for every dietary need!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head organic broccoli, cut into florets: Broccoli adds crunch and a burst of green. Opt for organic for the best flavor, but conventional will work just fine.
2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil: Use high-quality olive oil for roasting and dressing. It enhances the veggies’ flavors and ties everything together.
2 tsps on everything all-purpose blend: This mix adds savory depth; use my homemade version or store-bought for quick flavor.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika brings a subtle smokiness that complements the roasted flavors beautifully.
1 (16 oz.) package your fave shortcut pasta (penne, rotini, rigatoni): Choose your favorite shape; these hold dressing well and provide a satisfying bite.
1 bunch organic romaine lettuce: Fresh, crisp lettuce adds volume and a refreshing texture. Kale or arugula can easily be used instead.
Handful of organic arugula, optional: Arugula introduces a peppery bite. It’s optional but definitely an upgrade!
2 cups roasted chickpeas: Chickpeas add protein and a delicious crunch. Feel free to roast them with the broccoli for extra flavor.
1 cup cooked organic green peas: Green peas add sweetness; however, any green veggie here would fit well.
1 medium Haas avocado, chopped into cubes: Avocado makes the salad creamy and irresistibly rich.
1 cup green goddess dressing: Homemade or store-bought, this creamy dressing will elevate every component. Add more if you like it extra creamy!
1 cup shaved parmesan: Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy element. Grated parmesan works too if that’s what you have!

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Preheat the Oven: Start this culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Broccoli: In a mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons on everything all-purpose blend, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika until the broccoli is well coated. This combo is key to adding flavor during roasting!

Roast the Broccoli: Spread the seasoned broccoli on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are charred and the broccoli is crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when the tantalizing aroma fills your kitchen!

Cook the Pasta: While the broccoli is roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add 1 (16 oz.) package off your favorite shortcut pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and give it a light toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, allowing it to cool.

Chop the Greens: As the broccoli and pasta cool, prepare your greens. Strip the leaves from 1 bunch of organic romaine lettuce and discard the stems. Roughly chop those fresh greens, and if you’re using arugula, toss that in too. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the greens and massage them gently with your hands for 2-3 minutes. This step softens the greens and infuses the flavors.

Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce and arugula with the roasted broccoli, 2 cups of roasted chickpeas, cooled pasta, cubed 1 medium Haas avocado, 1 cup cooked organic green peas, and 1 cup shaved parmesan. Drizzle in the 1 cup green goddess dressing, mixing everything gently until well combined. You can choose to add the dressing now or reserve some for serving.

Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the colorful salad into serving bowls and add extra parmesan on top if desired. Now, it’s time to dig in and enjoy this vibrant dish!

Storing & Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! You can store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just note that the texture of the greens may soften over time. If you plan to make this dish ahead, consider storing the dressing separately to maintain freshness. Although reheating is possible, serving it cold or at room temperature showcases all the flavors beautifully!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your broccoli is cut into uniform florets for even roasting.
Don’t skip the olive oil massage on the greens; it makes a world of difference in texture and flavor.
If you’re not sure about the pasta’s doneness, try tasting it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
Add ins like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers can enhance flavor and color.
To make ahead, roast the broccoli and prepare the pasta in advance. Combine with the greens and dressing just before serving for optimal freshness.

There’s nothing quite like a salad that not only tastes great but also looks stunning on the table. This Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a celebration of colors, textures, and flavors, perfect for any occasion. Try playing around with different ingredients based on your taste preferences or seasonal produce. However you decide to make it, I know this dish will add brightness and joy to your meals. Enjoy every lovely bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the roasted broccoli and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. Combine everything with the greens and dressing just before serving for optimal freshness.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Simply swap out your favorite shortcut pasta for a gluten-free version. Many gluten-free pastas cook similarly, making it an easy substitution.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Certainly! Feel free to incorporate favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even zucchini. Just remember to balance flavors and textures!

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, use a plant-based version of green goddess dressing and substitute the parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

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Green Goddess Pasta Salad

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy the vibrant and flavorful Green Goddess Pasta Salad featuring fresh organic ingredients and roasted chickpeas. This dish is perfect for quick meals and guaranteed to impress with its irresistible taste!

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine broccoli florets, olive oil, On Everything Blend, and smoked paprika, mixing until broccoli is evenly coated.
Spread the coated broccoli onto the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the broccoli is charred and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.