Ultimate Green Goddess Pasta Salad (Easy Recipe)
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Green Goddess Pasta Salad has all the flavor of the popular restaurant dish, but with noodles instead of lettuce! This creamy avocado pasta salad is an easy weeknight meal, and it’s a unique option for any luncheon or potluck.
This Green Goddess Pasta Salad recipe is more than just “fun” to make, it’s also full of fresh flavors, and I love the vibrant green color.
The creamy dressing added to the top of the pasta makes the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ during the hot summer days.
I also think that this could be a complete meal as well because it’s hearty!
Delicious recipes like this with the perfectly cooked al denta pasta prove that not all salad ingredients have to be boring!
You can make this with the ingredients listed on the recipe card below or swap in your favorite pasta, fresh veggies, and more.
What I enjoy about making this healthy pasta salad recipe is that you have options when it comes to new recipes like this!
I’ve added some fresh broccoli florets to the main dish, and the texture pairs really well with the cooked pasta.
Top with some feta cheese, fresh parsley (or different herbs), and some of that yummy green dressing, and you’ve got quite the main course!
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
This is hands down the best pasta salad I’ve ever put together, and I’m sure you’ll agree once you take a bite!
Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado are combined with hard-boiled eggs, tender noodles, and sweet bits of shallot.
Finally, everything is coated in a deliciously herbaceous homemade dressing for a flavor you can’t get enough of.
To make this green goddess pasta salad with lettuce instead of noodles, see my original post — it tastes just like the kind you order from Panera!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Bacon – It’s important to get your strips nice and crispy since they will soften a bit when drenched in the green pasta salad dressing.
Either chop them cold and cook on the stove until crisp, or bake the strips and crumble them once cooled. - Tomatoes – Slice these in batches by placing a handful at a time between two lids and running a knife through the center.
- Eggs – You can prepare these fresh or the day before, whichever is more convenient.
If needed, I have instructions for making them on the stove or in an air fryer. - Shallot – This small bulb is sweeter than most onions with a more delicate natural flavor.
If you aren’t able to find one, some red onion would be the best substitute for this Green Goddess pasta recipe. - Dressing – I prefer to make my own, but there are several store-bought versions to choose from if needed.
I recommend using a yogurt-based bottled brand like Bolthouse Farms, which can be found in the refrigerated section near the produce.
How To Make Avocado Pasta Salad
Once everything is prepped and ready, this Green Goddess pasta salad comes together in minutes!
Start the eggs and bacon while the water comes to a boil, then chop them up with the veggies while the pasta cooks.
Whisk together the dressing at the last minute and toss everything together until well combined.
I find that this green pasta salad tastes best when it has time to sit, so pop the bowl in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving.
Green Goddess Pasta FAQ
Green Goddess pasta is honestly quite filling on its own, but you could certainly add some extra protein if you would like. Grab a rotisserie chicken or grill up a few breasts, dice into bite-sized pieces, and mix them in with the rest of the ingredients.
For a vegetarian option, mix in some chickpeas or cubes of your favorite cheese.
This fabulous dressing is bright and herbaceous, thanks to plenty of lemon plus parsley, basil, cilantro, and chives.
It also has a deliciously creamy texture, making it perfect for a green pasta salad!
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that the avocado will start to turn brown the longer it sits.
If you’ll be serving it to guests, I recommend preparing this green pasta salad no more than a day in advance so the bacon and shallots are still fairly crisp.
The shell noodles will absorb some of the dressing overnight, so stir in a few more tablespoons when you pull it out of the fridge.
For leftovers, avocado pasta salad will last about 3 to 4 days covered in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Pasta Salad Recipes
Ultimate Green Goddess Pasta Salad (Easy Recipe)
Ingredients
- 16 ounce box shell pasta
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 hard boiled eggs
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup green goddess salad dressing
Dressing
- 1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon or dill, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook your pasta per the directions on the box for al dente cooked pasta.
- While the pasta cooks make the dressing.
- Dressing: Place all the ingredients into the bowl of your blender or food processor. Pulse until everything is well blended, and there are no chunks of garlic.
- Mix the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, bacon, tomatoes, eggs, avocado, shallots, and dressing. Stir until well combined.
- Place the pasta salad in the fridge for one hour before serving.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published June 2021, updated and republished June 2024
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This pasta salad was awesome. Very tasty and fresh flavor. Will be using this recipe again soon!
This Green Goddess Pasta Salad from Donna and Chad’s The Slow Roasted Italian website is an absolute delight! Easy to make and bursting with flavor. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
Hi Aria!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
donna’s recipe was a breeze! I added some grilled chicken to make it a complete meal. So good!
Hi Casey!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Made this Green Goddess Pasta Salad for a family gathering, and it was a hit! Donna and Chad never disappoint with their recipes. So delicious!
Hi Benjamin!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn