Best Pasta Salad Recipe: Fresh, Easy & Perfect for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for the best pasta salad recipe, this Green Goddess pasta salad is sure to impress! Creamy, fresh, and packed with veggies, it’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any meal.

Ingredients for the Best Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta Salad Ingredients for the Best Pasta Salad Recipe

• 16 ounces pasta

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 12 spears green asparagus, chopped

• 2 to 3 green onions, chopped

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

• Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, mint, chives) for garnish

Green Goddess Dressing

• 1 cup baby spinach

• 1 cup fresh basil

• 1 small handful chives

• 1 small shallot, roughly chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

• 1/4 cup raw cashews

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1/2 cup olive oil (adjust as needed)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Directions

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and get ready to start.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl to cool.

Step 3: While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a food processor, combine spinach, basil, chives, shallot, garlic, cashews, Parmesan, nutritional yeast, vinegar, and lemon juice. Pulse to blend. Slowly add olive oil in a stream to emulsify until creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Step 4: Steam peas and asparagus for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. You can also blanch or microwave them with a little water for the same result. Remove from heat, rinse with cold water, drain, and add on top of the cooled pasta along with green onions.

Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine, coating everything evenly. You may not need all the dressing, depending on your preference. Add crumbled feta and fresh herbs, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pasta salad in the fridge for up to 5 days. Any leftover dressing is great for salads or dipping fresh veggies.

This recipe is truly the best pasta salad recipe you’ll find—easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any occasion!

Source: allrecipes.com