Vegan 20-Min Green Goddess Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Whip up this easy vegan Green Goddess pasta salad in just 20 minutes. Creamy, fresh, and packed with herbs, it's perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta Foundation

01 - 8 oz short pasta (e.g., rotini, fusilli, penne)
02 - 1 tsp sea salt (for pasta water)

→ Lush Green Goddess Dressing

03 - 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
04 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
05 - 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
06 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
07 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
09 - 1 clove garlic, minced
10 - 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
11 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
12 - 2-4 tbsp cold water (for thinning)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Crisp Garden Medley

14 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
15 - 1/2 cup English cucumber, diced
16 - 1/2 cup celery, diced
17 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

→ Crunchy Topping & Garnish

18 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
19 - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Boil a large pot of water. Add 1 tsp sea salt. Cook 8 oz short pasta (e.g., rotini, fusilli, penne) according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This is the foundation for your Easy Vegan 20-Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad.
02 - While pasta cooks, combine 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise, 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh chives, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard in a blender. Blend until smooth, adding 2-4 tbsp cold water as needed to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
03 - Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1/2 cup English cucumber, dice 1/2 cup celery, and finely dice 1/4 cup red onion. These vibrant additions will bring crunch and freshness to your Easy Vegan 20-Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, drained pasta with the halved 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup English cucumber, diced 1/2 cup celery, and finely diced 1/4 cup red onion. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
05 - Pour the prepared Lush Green Goddess Dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are thoroughly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
06 - Transfer the Easy Vegan 20-Minute Green Goddess Pasta Salad to a serving bowl. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and fresh dill sprigs for an appealing finish and added texture. Serve immediately or chill for later.

# Notes:

01 - Substitution Tip: No fresh dill? Dried dill can be used in a pinch, but reduce the quantity to 1/2 to 1 teaspoon as its flavor is more concentrated.
02 - Make Ahead Tip: This pasta salad is fantastic fresh, but also holds up well when made a few hours ahead. If chilling, you might want to add a splash more cold water or lemon juice to the dressing before serving to refresh its consistency.
03 - Serving Suggestion: Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for a BBQ, or a potluck contribution. For added protein, consider stirring in a can of drained chickpeas or white beans.
04 - Herb Customization: Feel free to adjust the herb ratios in the dressing based on your preference. A little fresh mint or basil could also be a delicious addition!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - Colander
03 - Blender or food processor
04 - Large mixing bowl
05 - Measuring cups
06 - Measuring spoons
07 - Cutting board
08 - Sharp knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 371 kcal
Total Fat: 16 g
Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
Protein: 11 g