Green Goddess Macaroni Salad

Green Goddess Macaroni Salad is a simple summer dish that features celery, green onions, herbs, tender macaroni, and the most incredible green goddess dressing. This delicious version of classic Macaroni Salad is inspired by one of our most favorite salad dressings, the Green Goddess Dressing. (The dressing I used here is inspired by the salad dressing, but has been adjusted slightly for pasta salad!)

A Little Bit About This Macaroni Salad

There’s a lot to love about Green Goddess Macaroni Salad. It’s easy to make, summery as can be, travels well, and always garners compliments when served at summertime festivities! While I’m a huge fan of traditional macaroni salad, this green goddess version really elevates everything to new heights

It’s not only the flavor and aroma of this macaroni salad that makes it so bright, either. The signature vibrant green color of it also attracts many eyes! You can also throw it a few extra green vegetables that you love.

Make sure the herbs you’re using are FRESH, not dried! Fresh herbs are what create the green color and bold flavor of Green Goddess Macaroni Salad. If you have access to an herb garden, even better.

Ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream thicken the sauce to a perfectly creamy consistency, while lemon juice and olive oil enhance the fresh flavor of the dish. Bring this flavorful, creamy, and summer-ready Green Goddess Macaroni Salad to your next backyard barbecue or picnic – you’ll be glad you did!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Pasta – Choose a smaller pasta options like elbow macaroni or ditalini. You can also use small bowtie pasta.

Using fresh herbs – for this salad, I do NOT recommend substituting dried herbs, do use fresh herbs.

Mayo and sour cream – both are important to make my green goddess dressing rich, creamy, and smooth! You can use your favorite mayonnaise (I like the olive oil mayonnaise) and full fat sour cream.

These are the ingredients that I have notes on, you can find the full list in the recipe card.

What Other Veggies to Add to Green Goddess Macaroni Salad

Since this is a green goddess recipe, try to stick with the green theme! You can add:

• green bell pepper,
• cucumbers,
• shaved brussels sprouts,
• peas,
• and even jalapeños.

Can This Macaroni Salad Be Gluten Free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten free elbow macaroni instead of regular one. My favorite gluten free brand for pasta is Tinkyada rice pasta. It doesn’t crumble apart and has the closest texture to regular pasta.

Making Ahead Recommendation

You can easily make this salad ahead of time. Mix the cooked macaroni with the vegetables and store it in a food storage container in the refrigerator. Prepare and store the dressing separately from the salad. Mix the macaroni with the dressing when you’re ready to serve it.

You can also prepare the whole salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day before serving. Make sure to store it in the air-tight container.

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Storing:

Store your leftover macaroni salad in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator. Stored properly, this macaroni salad should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Try More Pasta Salad Recipes:

For a classic fare, try our Macaroni Salad and our family favorite Pasta Salad! If you want something a little more unusual, try Greek Tortellini Salad and Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.