The Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a bold, refreshing twist on your typical summer side dish. Infused with a cashew-based, herby dressing that packs a lemony punch, this dish skips the dairy without losing any of the creamy richness we crave in pasta salads. Tender pasta shells soak up every drop of the vibrant dressing, while fresh vegetables bring crisp texture and balance.
Whether you’re looking for a new potluck go-to or simply craving a healthy, flavor-packed lunch, this pasta salad delivers. It’s easy to make, totally customizable with your favorite green vegetables, and delicious served warm or cold. The perfect meal-prep staple for hot days or when you want to eat green and feel great!
Full Recipe:
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2 lemons (zested and juiced, about 3 tablespoons juice)
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1 1/4 cups basil leaves, tightly packed
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1 cup baby spinach leaves, tightly packed
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2 cloves garlic
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1/4 cup raw cashews
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1/3 cup nutritional yeast (or grated Parmesan cheese)
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Pasta Salad:
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1 tablespoon salt
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1 pound medium pasta shells
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1 1/2 cups frozen peas
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12 thin green asparagus spears, trimmed and chopped
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1 fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced
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6 ounces pitted green olives, drained
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3 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
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3 scallions, thinly sliced
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Reserved lemon zest
Directions:
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Set a large pot (around 3 quarts) of water with 1 tablespoon salt over high heat and bring to a boil.
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While the water heats, make the dressing: Blend lemon juice, olive oil, basil, spinach, garlic, cashews, nutritional yeast (or Parmesan), salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Two minutes before the pasta is done, add peas and asparagus to the boiling water.
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Drain everything in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop further cooking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, peas, asparagus, fennel, olives, chives, scallions, and lemon zest.
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Pour in the dressing and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with more salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve immediately at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 497 kcal | Servings: 4–6 servings
The Story Behind the Green Goddess Pasta Salad
The Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a modern fusion dish inspired by two culinary trends: the viral Green Goddess salad from TikTok and the timeless love for creamy, herb-packed pasta salads. Originally brought to internet fame by Melissa Ben-Ishay of “Baked by Melissa,” the Green Goddess salad captured hearts with its vibrant green hue, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients. However, it came with one major drawback—intense prep work involving finely chopped cabbage.
This version reimagines the concept, simplifying the process by replacing the finely chopped base with pasta shells that are easier to handle and universally loved. It preserves the signature flavor of the original Green Goddess concept—bright, tangy, and herby—while delivering a more satisfying, fork-friendly experience. This dish is proof that you can stay on-trend while enjoying the comforts of classic pasta salad with a plant-forward twist.
A Dressing That Steals the Show
At the heart of this pasta salad is a vegan dressing that surprises with its depth and silkiness. Instead of relying on mayonnaise or sour cream as in traditional Green Goddess dressings, this version uses raw cashews as the base, blended until ultra-smooth with olive oil, lemon juice, basil, spinach, and nutritional yeast. The cashews add body and creaminess, while nutritional yeast contributes a rich umami flavor that mimics the complexity of cheese without any dairy.
The result is a green, luxurious sauce that clings to each pasta shell and vegetable piece like a dream. It’s dairy-free, gluten-optional (depending on the pasta used), and full of nourishing fats and greens. For those who aren’t strictly plant-based, swapping in Parmesan for the nutritional yeast is a delicious alternative, adding a more classic Italian edge to the dish.
Perfectly Balanced with Fresh Vegetables
The vegetable medley in this salad is chosen to add both color and texture while maintaining the dish’s “green” theme. Asparagus, peas, fennel, olives, chives, and scallions combine to deliver a variety of fresh, sweet, briny, and slightly sharp flavors. Each bite is dynamic, with the creamy dressing acting as a binder that unifies all the elements.
Asparagus adds structure and a crisp, earthy depth; peas bring sweetness; and fennel introduces a subtle anise flavor that elevates the complexity. Green olives add a salty punch, while scallions and chives offer a burst of oniony brightness. This combination isn’t just visually striking—it delivers a medley of tastes that’s layered and refreshing, especially when served cold.
Customization: The Real Power of This Salad
One of the strongest appeals of this dish is its adaptability. It’s a perfect canvas for customization based on seasonality, pantry availability, or dietary needs. Want more protein? Toss in a can of white beans. Craving crunch? Add homemade croutons just before serving. Prefer something with more bite? Try subbing in broccoli florets or sugar snap peas for the asparagus and peas.
The pasta base can also be changed easily. While medium shells are ideal because they capture bits of dressing, peas, and olives in every bite, alternatives like fusilli, orecchiette, or farfalle work just as well. Even whole-wheat or gluten-free pastas can be substituted without compromising the overall result.
Meal Prep and Storage-Friendly
Unlike many salads that wilt or lose texture over time, this pasta salad actually improves after a few hours in the fridge. The dressing continues to soak into the pasta and vegetables, deepening the flavor profile. It’s a prime candidate for make-ahead lunches, picnic baskets, or potluck contributions.
It holds well in the refrigerator for up to three days, especially if stored in an airtight container. If the dressing thickens over time, a quick stir and a drizzle of olive oil revive it instantly. It can be enjoyed chilled or brought to room temperature, making it extremely versatile in terms of when and how you serve it.
Nutritional Benefits Worth Highlighting
Beyond its flavor and visual appeal, this dish is also nutritionally rich. The use of fresh greens like basil and spinach boosts the vitamin and mineral content, especially in terms of vitamin K, iron, and antioxidants. Cashews provide healthy fats and protein, while nutritional yeast contributes B-vitamins and a cheesy taste profile.
As a high-fiber, plant-based meal, it’s ideal for those looking to eat cleaner without compromising on satisfaction. Plus, it’s free from heavily processed ingredients, and every element brings real nutritional value to the table.
A Perfect Addition to Summer Tables
Green Goddess Pasta Salad shines brightest during warmer months. It’s light enough for summer gatherings but hearty enough to serve as a standalone lunch or dinner. It pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins like tofu, tempeh, or chicken, and complements fruity summer beverages or crisp white wines.
It also adds a splash of color and freshness to picnic spreads, BBQs, or holiday potlucks. Because it’s plant-based, it accommodates a wide range of dietary preferences, making it a smart option when cooking for groups.
How This Dish Ties into Food Trends
Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-optional recipes are in high demand, not just among those with dietary restrictions, but also with consumers looking for lighter, plant-forward meals. The Green Goddess Pasta Salad fits perfectly within this trend, offering a health-conscious recipe that’s still indulgent and flavorful.
Social media-friendly dishes also benefit from visual appeal—and this salad doesn’t disappoint. With its bright green dressing and mix of textures and shapes, it’s highly photogenic, ideal for food bloggers, Instagrammers, or content creators looking to share vibrant, approachable recipes.
A Crowd-Pleasing Dish That Feels Gourmet
While it may come together with just a blender and a pot of boiling water, the finished dish feels like something you’d find on a café lunch menu. It’s approachable enough for novice home cooks, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests. The complex flavor notes from fennel, lemon, herbs, and umami-rich cashews mimic gourmet cuisine without the hassle.
That balance of simplicity and sophistication is what makes this pasta salad a long-term keeper. It feels exciting every time you make it, especially when you experiment with your own seasonal twists.
Conclusion
The Green Goddess Pasta Salad isn’t just a fleeting food trend—it’s a testament to how inventive, health-forward cooking can be both easy and delicious. By marrying the social media flair of the original Green Goddess salad with the comfort of a classic pasta dish, this recipe bridges modern tastes with timeless appeal.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck, meal prep for the week ahead, or just bring something fresh and exciting to the table, this dish offers unbeatable flexibility and flavor. Its combination of bold green color, creamy dressing, and vibrant veggies makes it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate—and ensures it’ll be a staple in your warm-weather recipe rotation for years to come.
