Merken Experience a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad that combines tender short pasta with the crunch of fresh cucumbers and a garden's worth of herbs. This dish is brought to life by a creamy avocado-yogurt green goddess dressing, making it as nutritious as it is flavorful.
Merken Whether you are prepping for a picnic, a potluck, or just a light lunch at home, this Green Goddess Pasta Salad is the perfect choice for a satisfying summer meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 250 g (9 oz) short pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne), Salt for boiling water.
- Vegetables & Herbs: 1 medium cucumber (diced), 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach (roughly chopped), 50 g (1/2 cup) fresh parsley (chopped), 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh chives (chopped), 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh basil (chopped).
- Green Goddess Dressing: 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted), 120 g (1/2 cup) plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon), 1 garlic clove (minced), 1–2 tbsp water (to thin, as needed), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; set aside.
- Step 2
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency.
- Step 3
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, spinach, parsley, chives, and basil.
- Step 4
- Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
- Step 6
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let flavors meld. Garnish with extra herbs before serving, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a large pot and a colander is essential for perfectly cooked pasta. To achieve the signature creamy consistency, ensure you use a blender or food processor for the dressing. Prep your vegetables with a sharp chef's knife and cutting board to keep the cucumber pieces uniform.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra protein, you can toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or diced hard-boiled eggs. To create a vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt. You can also add more texture with crunchy vegetables like sugar snap peas or radishes.
Serviervorschläge
This salad is best served fresh or after being refrigerated for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors of the herbs and dressing to meld together. Garnish with extra fresh herbs just before serving for an extra pop of color.
Merken At 340 calories and 9g of protein per serving, this vegetarian Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a balanced and delicious way to enjoy your greens. Please note it contains dairy and gluten unless substitutions are made.
