If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing summertime dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy goat cheese, all tossed in a luscious, herb-packed Green Goddess dressing. Each bite offers a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and zesty notes that make every forkful irresistible. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic or serving it alongside grilled meats, this salad truly shines as a flavorful and colorful centerpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Recipe right means having the perfect balance of fresh, simple ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. From the chewy pasta to the crisp bacon and luscious herbs, every element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 16 ounces uncooked pasta: I used Torcetti for its fun twists, but any pasta shape you enjoy will work beautifully.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, sliced: These add juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 1 tablespoon chopped or torn fresh basil: Fresh basil infuses a fragrant, herbaceous note that’s simply unbeatable.
- 8 slices bacon: Crispy bacon introduces a smoky crunch that contrasts perfectly with the softer salad ingredients.
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, it melts lightly into the pasta to elevate every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to crisp the bacon and lend a subtle richness.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Forms the luscious base of the Green Goddess dressing with a creamy texture.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Adds a smooth tang that brightens the dressing.
- ¼ cup buttermilk: This lightens the dressing while adding a gentle tangy finish.
- 1 tablespoon anchovy paste: Don’t skip this – it brings a savory depth that makes the dressing uniquely delicious.
- 1 garlic clove (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder): Garlic introduces a subtle kick enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ cup fresh basil: Along with parsley, this packs the dressing with fresh green goodness.
- ½ cup fresh parsley: Bright and slightly peppery, parsley rounds out the herbaceous profile.
- 1 scallion (white and green parts, thinly sliced): Adds a mild onion flavor and crisp texture.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: The acid helps balance all the richness with a refreshing zing.
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing the whole salad together.
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped): This final sprinkle adds a fresh, aromatic touch before serving.
How to Make Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta shape. Be sure to drain it well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps your pasta firm and prevents it from getting mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
While your pasta cooks, crisp up the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess oil, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. This smoky, salty bacon adds a wonderful textural contrast that makes the salad sing.
Step 3: Make the Green Goddess Dressing
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, anchovy paste, garlic, fresh basil, parsley, scallion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. This herbaceous dressing is the true star in this Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Recipe, marrying all the other flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, crumbled goat cheese, and the chopped bacon. Pour the Green Goddess dressing over everything, giving it a gentle but thorough mix to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in that creamy green goodness.
How to Serve Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the salad with the reserved chopped fresh basil just before serving. It adds a bright, fragrant lift that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise. A few extra crumbles of goat cheese or a light drizzle of olive oil can also elevate your presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even a simple roast. Because it’s so flavorful and filling, it can also shine as a standalone lunch or picnic main. The richness of the bacon and creamy dressing partners perfectly with light, fresh proteins or crisp veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this in a colorful ceramic bowl or a clear glass dish allows the layers of tomato, herbs, and pasta to shine through. For a fun twist, serve it in small mason jars for individual portions, perfect for picnics or potlucks. Adding edible flowers or extra herb sprigs marshals the fresh, garden-fresh vibe vividly on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving since the dressing can settle. Keep any additional fresh herbs separate to maintain their bright flavor and texture.
Freezing
Because of the fresh herbs, creamy dressing, and texture of the pasta, freezing this pasta salad is not recommended. It’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve the vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
Reheating
This Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Recipe is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature on the counter for 20–30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While Torcetti is fantastic for trapping the dressing, any pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle will work nicely, just pick your favorite shape and stick with it.
Is anchovy paste essential in the dressing?
Yes, it adds a depth of umami flavor that really makes the Green Goddess dressing stand out. If you’re hesitant, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can, by substituting the bacon with smoky tempeh or crispy tofu and using vegan mayo and sour cream alternatives. The goat cheese can be replaced with a vegan cheese or omitted entirely.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to assemble the salad and toss it with the dressing no more than a few hours before serving to keep the textures fresh and the flavors vibrant.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Fresh herbs make a big difference here, but if you’re in a pinch, good-quality dried herbs can work in a pinch—just use less and add gradually to avoid overpowering the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet is so easy to pull together. It strikes the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, fresh, and smoky — a guaranteed hit whether you’re cooking for family dinners, potlucks, or sunny afternoons outdoors. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this delicious combination just like I did!
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Pasta Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and creamy pasta salad featuring a zesty Green Goddess dressing, fresh cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and tangy goat cheese. Perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings, this dish combines fresh herbs and a luscious dressing with perfectly cooked pasta for a delightful meal or side.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 16 ounces uncooked pasta (Torcetti or your choice)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, sliced (or 3 large regular tomatoes, cubed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped or torn fresh basil
- 8 slices bacon
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Green Goddess Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon anchovy paste
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ cup fresh basil
- ½ cup fresh parsley
- 1 scallion, white and green parts thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Bacon: While pasta cooks, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Wash and slice the cherry tomatoes or cube the large tomatoes as preferred. Set aside.
- Make the Green Goddess Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, anchovy paste, garlic, fresh basil, parsley, scallion, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Add the sliced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, crumbled bacon, and goat cheese. Pour the Green Goddess dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for garnish. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape; small shapes hold the dressing well.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and anchovy paste.
- Adjust the consistency of the dressing with more buttermilk if needed.
- This salad is best served within 1-2 days for freshness.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and chilled.
