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Colorful Green Goddess Pasta Salad with fresh veggies and herbs

Green Goddess Pasta Salad

A fresh and vibrant pasta salad featuring rotini, colorful vegetables, feta, and a creamy green goddess dressing. Perfect for picnics and potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad

  • 8 oz rotini pasta Use your preferred pasta shape.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Choose ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched Blanch to retain color and crunch.
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped Soak in water for a milder flavor if desired.
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled Substitute with goat cheese if preferred.
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds For added crunch.
  • 1/2 cup green goddess dressing See recipe for dressing below.

For the Green Goddess Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Can be substituted with vegan mayonnaise.
  • 1/4 cup sour cream Use a plant-based sour cream for a vegan option.
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
  • 1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  • Prepare the green goddess dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, lemon juice, tarragon vinegar, and garlic. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli florets, red onion, feta cheese, and sunflower seeds.
  • Pour the green goddess dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the dressing.
  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled.

Notes

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. If the salad gets a little dry, add a splash more of the green goddess dressing before serving. You can customize by adding grilled chicken for protein, swapping feta cheese for goat cheese, or tossing in avocado for creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 290mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
Keyword Green Goddess, Healthy Recipe, Pasta Salad, Picnic Food, Vegetarian
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