Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad is a bold, fresh, and flavorful dish. This recipe solves the problem of bland salads. After making this many times, I know the best way to keep it creamy and vibrant. The fresh herbs and creamy texture make it irresistible. Try this recipe with Easy Black Bean Tacos with Creamy Cilantro Sauce. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Black Bean Tacos with Creamy Cilantro Sauce and Creamy Avocado Egg Salad Recipe for Easy Lunch.
Why This Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Fresh herbs
- Creamy texture
- Easy to make
- Perfect for lunch
What You'll Need for Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Crushed croutons
- Optional: Extra chopped herbs
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Penne pasta: Use regular or whole wheat penne for a heartier texture.
- Feta cheese: Substitute with goat cheese if preferred.
- Cherry tomatoes: Use heirloom tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Green onions: Use white and light green parts for best flavor.
- Basil: Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Immersion blender — Creates a smooth dressing without chunks. → See on Amazon
- Mixing bowls — Helps keep ingredients organized while preparing. → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Make dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Add drained pasta, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and basil to the bowl. Toss to combine.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with croutons and extra herbs if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
- Best technique: Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent it from sticking and to stop the cooking process.
- Common mistake and fix: Using too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Alternative: Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Freezing Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not required. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Microwave: Not recommended. May alter texture.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs will not provide the same taste.
- Best substitution: Substitute crumbled feta with goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Add croutons and extra herbs just before serving.
- Scaling: Adjust ingredient quantities based on the number of servings needed.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more dressing or a splash of olive oil.
Want to level up this recipe?
Large mixing bowl — Helps combine ingredients smoothly without spilling. → Check price on Amazon
Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Seasonings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crushed croutons
- Extra chopped herbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Make dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Add drained pasta, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and basil to the bowl. Toss to combine.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with croutons and extra herbs if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs will not provide the same taste.
- Best substitution: Substitute crumbled feta with goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance. Add croutons and extra herbs just before serving.
- Scaling: Adjust ingredient quantities based on the number of servings needed.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add a bit more dressing or a splash of olive oil.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not required. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended. May alter texture.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad FAQs
Yes, you can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Add croutons and extra herbs just before serving.
If the salad is too dry, it could be because there was not enough dressing. Add more dressing or a splash of olive oil to moisten it.
Yes, you can use different herbs. Feel free to add dill, cilantro, or oregano based on your preference.
You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even crumbled feta-style goat cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for summer. The fresh herbs and creamy texture make it a light and refreshing side dish.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Salad and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
