Green Goddess Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that shouts springtime in every bite, this Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad is about to become your new obsession! Packed with bright, herbaceous pesto, crisp veggies, and a creamy, dreamy dressing, it’s the kind of salad that leaves everyone reaching for seconds—whether you’re serving it for lunch, as a side, or bringing it to a picnic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of key ingredients come together to make the Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad absolutely irresistible. Each element brings its own burst of flavor, texture, or gorgeous color—making every bite more exciting than the last!

• Gemelli Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds onto every drop of creamy pesto, creating the perfect base for the salad.
• Basil Pesto: Store-bought or homemade, pesto adds a vibrant herby backbone with plenty of fresh basil flavor.
• Real Mayonnaise: It’s the secret to that luscious, creamy dressing—don’t skip it!
• Sea Salt: Brings all the flavors into harmonious balance and enhances freshness.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet, bright green peas are a classic salad addition, plus they pop with every bite.
• Steamed Asparagus: Asparagus adds both crunch and seasonal green goodness that feels so luxurious.
• Chickpeas: For protein, fiber, and a slightly nutty taste that rounds out the salad beautifully.
• Pine Nuts: Their rich, buttery crunch gives every mouthful extra texture and flavor.
• Fresh Chives: Finishing with chopped chives brings a fresh, oniony lift you’ll adore.

Variations

One of the best things about Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad is how endlessly customizable it is! Swap in your favorite veggies, switch up the herbs, or play around to fit your mood and what’s in your fridge.

• Go Vegan: Substitute vegan mayo for the traditional version and choose a dairy-free pesto for a fully plant-based delight.
• Add Extra Protein: Toss in cooked, chilled shrimp or rotisserie chicken to make it a hearty lunch main.
• Switch Up Greens: Try broccolini, snap peas, or even baby spinach if asparagus isn’t available.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap pine nuts for toasted pumpkin seeds or leave them out if you’re avoiding nuts.

How to Make Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gemelli pasta according to package instructions until just al dente—the pasta should have a slight bite to hold up to the creamy dressing. Drain and set aside; a quick rinse with cold water stops the cooking and keeps it perfectly springy.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, quickly cook the frozen peas and steam the asparagus until bright green and tender-crisp. Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces so every spoonful gets a pop of that wonderful spring flavor!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Green Goddess Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the basil pesto and mayonnaise until smooth and fully combined. This lush, green dressing is what gives the salad its signature flavor and silky texture.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, creamy pesto dressing, sea salt, peas, asparagus, chickpeas, and most of the pine nuts. Use a big spoon or spatula to toss until every noodle is coated and the goodies are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Heap the salad onto a serving platter or into bowls, scatter the remaining pine nuts over the top for a buttery crunch, and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped chives. The Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad is ready to serve and absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A finishing touch of fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan really makes each bowl of Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad pop. For a little extra flair, try a few tender basil leaves or a swirl of extra pesto right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad is glorious all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crunchy garlic bread, a crisp spring green salad, or a platter of grilled skewers. It’s also dreamy next to roast chicken or simple baked fish if you’re building out a bigger meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad in a large, shallow platter to showcase all the veggies and textures. For picnics or parties, try spooning it into mason jars for a colorful, portable option. Mini bowls make it perfect for buffet tables, and edible parmesan “bowls” transform it into a true showstopper for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge—it stays fresh, creamy, and delicious for up to 3 days. In fact, some say it tastes even better after the flavors mingle overnight!

Freezing

Because of the creamy dressing and tender veggies, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The texture and fresh flavor are best enjoyed straight from the fridge, not the freezer.

Reheating

This pasta salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it just a little warmer, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes after removing from the fridge for the creaminess to return.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a crowd-pleasing, effortless salad bursting with garden-fresh flavors, give Green Goddess Gemelli Pasta Salad a spot in your regular rotation. I can’t wait for you to taste that first creamy, herby bite—enjoy every delicious forkful!

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