Description
This Green Goddess Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and protein-packed chickpeas, all tossed in a flavorful herb-filled yogurt dressing. Perfect for a quick dinner, potluck, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fusili pasta (or any short pasta shape)
- 8 oz asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2” pieces on a bias
- 1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 Persian cucumbers, cut into half-moons
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
- Kosher salt for pasta water
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably whole fat)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup packed fresh parsley leaves
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- ¼ cup packed fresh dill
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add fusili pasta and cook until al dente. Add asparagus during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- To make the dressing, blend garlic, yogurt, mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, basil, parsley, chives, dill, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a food processor or blender until smooth and bright green. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large bowl, toss the pasta and asparagus with chickpeas, cucumber, and olives. Pour in about ¾ of the dressing and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in half of the feta cheese. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with remaining feta and extra herbs if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Undercook the pasta slightly to ensure it holds up well once dressed.
- This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Use leftover dressing as a sandwich spread or dip for veggies.
- This dish is not freezer-friendly due to the fresh herbs and dairy-based dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg