If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and bursting with garden flavors, the Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender gemelli pasta with a luscious pesto-mayo dressing, enhanced by the sweetness of peas, the crispness of asparagus, and the satisfying texture of chickpeas and pine nuts. It’s a celebration of textures and tastes that come together effortlessly, making it the perfect dish for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a delightful side for your next dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic behind this Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe. Each element plays its part: from the creamy pesto dressing that coats the pasta, to the fresh vegetables adding crunch and color, and the pine nuts lending a delightful nuttiness.
- 1 lb DeLallo Gemelli Pasta: Gemelli’s twirled shape holds the sauce perfectly, making each bite flavorful.
- 6.35 ounce jar DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto: This vibrant pesto brings herby brightness and depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a mild tang, balancing pesto’s herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all flavors naturally without overpowering them.
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas: Cooked and sweet, they introduce pops of green and subtle sweetness.
- 2 cups steamed asparagus, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy crunch and gorgeous green color.
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas, drained: Provides hearty texture and boosts the protein content.
- 3/4 cup pine nuts: Toasted or raw, they offer a buttery, nutty flavor essential to pesto traditions.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives: A mild onion flavor and vivid green color that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the gemelli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This means tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly. This simple step creates the perfect base that will soak up all the luscious flavors later.
Step 2: Mix the Pesto Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, take a bowl and stir together the DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto with the real mayonnaise until you achieve a smooth and creamy sauce. This combination tames the bold herbal flavors of the pesto, creating a luscious dressing that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, transfer the warm pasta and add the pesto-mayo dressing. Sprinkle the teaspoon of sea salt over everything, then toss in the cooked peas, chopped steamed asparagus, chickpeas, and pine nuts. Gently toss everything together so each element is evenly coated with that green goddess goodness.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the fresh chopped chives across the top of your pasta salad. The chives inject a mild sharpness and a beautiful finishing pop of color that pulls the whole dish together. Serve immediately for a wonderfully fresh dish or chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld.
How to Serve Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives are the classic finale, but feel free to add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few extra toasted pine nuts for texture. A wedge of lemon on the side invites an optional zesty squeeze that brightens the flavors instantly. These little touches elevate the salad from simple to special.
Side Dishes
This Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making a balanced and colorful summer meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside crusty garlic bread or a vibrant mixed green salad to create an inviting spread that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve this salad in a large clear glass bowl that showcases its vibrant greens and varied textures. Portion it into individual mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch or picnic treat. You can even stuff whole bell peppers with this pasta salad for a charming and edible presentation twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, but keep the salad chilled and give it a gentle toss before serving to freshen it up.
Freezing
This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables. Freezing can alter the texture of the peas and asparagus, so it’s better to freeze the pesto separately if desired.
Reheating
This dish is typically served cold or at room temperature, making reheating unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, gently heat just enough to take the chill off, avoiding any microwave time that might break down the creamy dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While gemelli is ideal because of its shape and texture, penne, fusilli, or farfalle work just as well and hold the pesto dressing beautifully.
Is the mayonnaise necessary in the pesto dressing?
The mayonnaise adds creaminess and balances the strong herbal flavors of the pesto, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or skip it for a lighter option, though the texture will change slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan mayonnaise and check that your pesto is free of dairy products. This way, you keep all the fresh flavors while fitting your dietary needs.
How far ahead can I prepare this pasta salad?
You can make it up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the ingredients.
What is the best way to cook the asparagus for this salad?
Steaming asparagus until just tender but still crisp preserves its vibrant color and fresh flavor, which complements the salad perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a fresh and flavorful pasta salad, and this Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe brings that excitement to your table in every bite. Its combination of creamy pesto dressing, fresh vegetables, and crunchy nuts makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your friends and family. Trust me, it’s a keeper!
Print
Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish featuring gemelli pasta tossed with creamy basil pesto and mayo, combined with nutritious asparagus, peas, chickpeas, and toasted pine nuts. It’s a perfect make-ahead salad for gatherings or a light meal that bursts with herbaceous flavor and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb DeLallo Gemelli Pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Dressing
- 6.35 ounce jar DeLallo Simply Pesto Basil Pesto
- 1/2 cup Real Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 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 Pasta: Cook the gemelli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Dressing: While the pasta cooks, mix together the basil pesto and mayonnaise in a bowl until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the warm pasta, pesto mayo dressing, sea salt, cooked peas, chopped steamed asparagus, chickpeas, and pine nuts. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the pasta salad with fresh chopped chives for a bright finishing touch. Serve immediately or chill before serving to enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the gemelli pasta with other short pasta shapes such as fusilli or penne.
- For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise.
- The pine nuts can be lightly toasted to enhance their flavor before adding.
- This salad holds well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it ideal for meal prep or parties.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of the pesto used.
