Description
Green Goddess Pasta Sauce is a creamy, herby sauce bursting with fresh parsley, tarragon, chives, and a smooth base of Greek yogurt or avocado. This vibrant and versatile sauce elevates ordinary pasta into a refreshing, satisfying meal with bright, garden-fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Quick to prepare and customizable, it can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or creative dishes beyond pasta.
Ingredients
Fresh Herbs
- Parsley (chopped, about 1/4 cup)
- Tarragon (chopped, about 2 tablespoons)
- Chives (chopped, about 2 tablespoons)
Base Ingredients
- Greek yogurt or avocado (1 cup)
- Garlic cloves (2-3 cloves)
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, fresh)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Optional Ingredients
- Anchovy paste (1 teaspoon, optional)
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (1/4 cup, optional)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fresh Herbs: Chop the parsley, tarragon, and chives finely. Using fresh herbs rather than dried is key to capturing the vibrant, garden-like aroma and taste that defines Green Goddess Pasta Sauce.
- Blend the Base Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt (or avocado for a dairy-free version), garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth and creamy, forming the rich foundation of the sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Gently stir in the chopped herbs, anchovy paste if using, and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The blend should be creamy with visible flecks of green for a fresh look and taste.
- Cook and Toss with Pasta: Cook your favorite pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Return it to the pot and toss with the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to loosen and coat every strand perfectly.
- Serve Warm or Chilled: Green Goddess Pasta Sauce can be served warm for a comforting meal or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad dressing—both ways are delicious and crowd-pleasing.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs to preserve flavor and color; avoid dried if possible.
- Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you mix to balance acidity.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to pasta without thinning flavor.
- Don’t overblend; slight chunkiness keeps the sauce visually appealing and interesting.
- The sauce tastes better after resting in the fridge for a few hours as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook / Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup sauce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Green Goddess Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Herb Sauce, Creamy Herb Sauce, Greek Yogurt Sauce, Avocado Sauce, Vegetarian Pasta Sauce, Dairy Free Sauce Option
