This green goddess pasta salad came together out of pure necessity. My friends and I were getting ready for a summer festival, and in the middle of hot, dry heat, the last thing anyone wants to do is cook. I needed something that could be made ahead, packed into a cooler, and still taste fresh days later—cooling, nourishing, and sturdy enough to travel.

What I love most about this green goddess pasta salad is how dense yet fresh it feels. I used a protein pasta for extra staying power, but it’s completely optional. The real goal was to pack in as many greens and as much protein as possible without sacrificing flavor or texture. One batch made eight full meals, and it stayed vibrant and satisfying in a cooler for four days.

Kale is the key here. Unlike more delicate greens, kale holds up beautifully over time, making it the perfect base for a make-ahead pasta salad that actually improves as it sits. Tossed in a creamy, herb-forward green goddess dressing, it softens just enough while still keeping structure.

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Why You’ll Love This Green Goddess Pasta Salad

• No cooking required beyond boiling pasta
• Ideal for hot weather, festivals, and picnics
• Makes multiple meals and stores well for days
• Packed with greens and optional protein pasta
• Fresh, herby, and satisfying without feeling heavy

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Best Pasta for Green Goddess Pasta Salad

• Protein pasta for extra staying power
• Chickpea or lentil pasta for added protein
• Classic wheat pasta for a softer texture

Choose something with ridges or curves so the green goddess dressing clings to every bite

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Travel Tips

This green goddess pasta salad is ideal for meal prep and travel.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge or cooler
• Keeps well for up to 4 days
• Kale stays fresh without wilting
• Perfect for festivals, road trips, and beach days

If the salad looks dry after a few days, simply add a splash of dressing and toss.

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Variations and Add-Ins

Make this salad your own with:

• Grilled chicken, tofu, or white beans
• Avocado (add just before serving)
• Extra herbs like dill, basil, or chives
• Lemon zest or chili flakes for brightness

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FAQ — Green Goddess Pasta Salad

Can I make green goddess pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. This salad is designed to be made ahead and actually improves as it sits.

How long does green goddess pasta salad last?
Stored properly, it lasts up to four days in the fridge or cooler.

What greens work best for pasta salad?
Kale is ideal because it holds its texture and flavor over time.

Can I use store-bought green goddess dressing?
Absolutely. Choose a high-quality dressing or make your own if you prefer.

Green Goddess Pasta

Herby, punchy, meal prep pasta

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Box of pasta
• Chicken thighs
• snap peas
• Dino kale
• 1 bunch of parsley
• 1 bunch Dill
• 1 bunch Cilantro
• ¼ c Olive Oil
• 2 Lemon zest
• 2 Lemon squeezed
• 1/4 c Tahini
• To taste S+P
• 1 tsp Cayenne
• 1 jar Sun dried tomato

Method

 

1. good chicken. I bake mine at 350 for about 35 mines Chicken thighs
2. cook pasta Box of pasta
3. blend dressing 1 bunch of parsley
4. slice 1 jar Sun dried tomato
5. dice chicken Chicken thighs
6. mix everything and serve cool

Notes

I took this tasty meal prep to a festival and it fed a village. It lasted us the whole week with plenty to share and everything tasted fresh all week.