Save to Pinterest This Vegan Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh, herbaceous flavors and crisp textures. Perfectly suited for sunny picnics or a wholesome light lunch, this dish pairs hearty short pasta with a silky, nutrient-dense dressing that is entirely dairy-free. Every bite offers a refreshing crunch from garden-fresh radishes and cucumbers, balanced by the sweetness of tender green peas.
Save to Pinterest The star of the show is the signature Green Goddess dressing. By blending vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt with a bouquet of fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice, you create a vibrant sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. It's a fusion of classic comfort and modern, plant-based goodness that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (fusilli, rotini, or shells)
- Salt for pasta water
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh chives
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon (or extra parsley)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine vegan mayonnaise, plant-based yogurt, basil, parsley, chives, tarragon, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, peas, cucumber, spinach, radishes, and scallions.
- Step 4
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lemon juice, or herbs if desired.
- Step 6
- Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with sliced basil and toasted sunflower seeds.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately, or chill for 1–2 hours for enhanced flavor.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the pasta salad stays fresh and creamy, be sure to rinse the cooked pasta thoroughly under cold water. This removes excess starch and stops the cooking process immediately, preventing the noodles from sticking together or becoming too soft once the dressing is added. For the smoothest possible dressing, use a high-speed blender to fully pulverize the herbs.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable to your dietary needs and pantry staples. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the standard pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. If you want to boost the heartiness, consider adding diced avocado or grilled asparagus. To keep it nut-free, stick with sunflower seeds or swap them for pumpkin seeds; alternatively, omit them entirely for a softer texture.
Serviervorschläge
While this salad is delicious served immediately, letting it chill in the refrigerator for one to two hours allows the flavors of the basil, garlic, and tarragon to meld and intensify. Garnish with a final flourish of fresh sliced basil and toasted sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch. It pairs excellently with a crisp glass of iced tea or a light summer soup.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, this Vegan Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a testament to how vibrant and satisfying plant-based cooking can be. Enjoy the bright colors and fresh garden flavors in every forkful!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The cooking time may vary slightly, so follow the package instructions for best results.
- → How long does this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?
This pasta salad stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and intensify after chilling for a few hours.
- → Can I use different vegetables in this dish?
Absolutely. Feel free to add diced avocado, grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. The green goddess dressing pairs well with almost any fresh vegetable.
- → Is the green goddess dressing spicy?
No, the dressing is not spicy. It's creamy and herbaceous with fresh basil, parsley, chives, and tarragon providing aromatic flavor without any heat.
- → Can I serve this warm instead of chilled?
Yes, you can serve it warm immediately after tossing with the dressing. However, chilling for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.