If you love vibrant, fresh flavors with a creamy, herbaceous twist, then the Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to dish. This salad beautifully combines tender pasta with a lively pesto-mayo dressing, complemented by crisp asparagus, sweet peas, and crunchy pine nuts for a perfect mix of textures and colors. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic, serving it as a light lunch, or adding it to your summer spread, this recipe is a sure way to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this show-stopping salad!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in balancing flavors, textures, and adding that irresistible Green Goddess magic to your pasta salad.
- 1 lb DeLallo Gemelli Pasta: The twisted shape holds onto the pesto dressing beautifully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 6.35 ounce jar DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto: This rich, aromatic pesto forms the heart of the salad’s signature taste.
- 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and smoothness that softens the pesto’s intensity without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas: Cooked until tender, these bring a burst of sweetness and a delightful pop of color.
- 2 cups steamed asparagus, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture and a hint of earthiness.
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas, drained: These provide hearty protein and a lovely, nutty flavor that deepens the salad.
- 3/4 cup pine nuts: Toasted for crunch and a buttery note that complements the pesto wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives: A vibrant, oniony finish sprinkled on top for that extra flavor punch.
How to Make Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Gemelli Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your DeLallo Gemelli pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready to absorb all that delicious pesto dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Dressing
While the pasta cooks, combine the jar of DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto with half a cup of real mayonnaise in a bowl. Stir gently until you get a smooth, creamy sauce that will coat every morsel of pasta with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, place the hot, drained pasta. Add the creamy pesto dressing and sprinkle in a teaspoon of sea salt. Toss in cooked peas, chopped steamed asparagus, chickpeas, and pine nuts. Use tongs or a large spoon to give everything a good toss, making sure the dressing is evenly mixed and every ingredient is nicely distributed.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Chives
To top it all off, sprinkle a tablespoon of freshly chopped chives over the salad. This final touch adds brightness and a subtle sharpness that truly lifts the flavors and completes your Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe masterpiece.
How to Serve Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the chopped chives, you might want to add a few extra pine nuts toasted lightly in a dry pan for added crunch or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for depth. Fresh basil leaves also make a beautiful and aromatic garnish that pairs perfectly with the flavors.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad stands out beautifully as a main or side. It pairs especially well with grilled chicken, lemon garlic shrimp, or a crispy green salad to keep the meal light and satisfying. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or a warm grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve this salad in hollowed-out heirloom tomatoes or avocado halves for an eye-catching presentation. Layer in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors or portion into pretty mason jars for easy grab-and-go servings during a picnic or barbecue.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the pesto dressing includes mayonnaise, it’s best enjoyed fresh but tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight.
Freezing
While you can freeze the pasta salad, the texture of peas and asparagus might become a bit soft after thawing. To preserve the best quality, store cooked pasta and dressing separately in the freezer and mix with fresh veggies when ready to serve.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, take the amount you want to eat and let it sit out for 20 minutes or gently warm in the microwave for 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While Gemelli pasta really holds the pesto well, you can swap in fusilli, penne, or farfalle depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Is there a vegan version of this Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe?
Yes! You can replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo or a creamy cashew-based sauce. Also, check your pesto for dairy, or make a vegan pesto at home using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Can I add protein to make this a fuller meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even baked tofu can be stirred in to boost the protein content and turn this into a complete meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sealed container, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve when the salad sits overnight!
What’s the best way to make the pesto dressing ahead of time?
You can mix the pesto and mayo several hours ahead and refrigerate. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the pasta so it’s smooth and ready to coat evenly.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe because it truly is a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile, whether you’re bringing it to a gathering or enjoying a simple weeknight dinner. Once you taste that creamy pesto goodness mingling with crisp veggies and tender pasta, I guarantee it will quickly become one of your favorite salads to prepare and share.
Print
Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad combining tender gemelli pasta, basil pesto, creamy mayonnaise, crisp asparagus, sweet peas, protein-rich chickpeas, and crunchy pine nuts, all garnished with fresh chives. Perfect for a light lunch or as a delightful side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb DeLallo Gemelli Pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 6.35 ounce jar DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto
- 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups steamed asparagus, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas, drained
- 3/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the DeLallo Gemelli Pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the pasta cooks, combine the DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto and Real Mayonnaise in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating the creamy pesto dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the warm pasta, prepared pesto dressing, sea salt, cooked peas, chopped steamed asparagus, drained chickpeas, and pine nuts. Toss all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the assembled pasta salad for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve immediately or chill before serving for a cold pasta salad option.
Notes
- For best texture, cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- You can toast the pine nuts lightly to enhance their flavor before adding.
- This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on preference.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add more fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
