Description
This Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta, making it a perfect dish for a light lunch or a side at a summer barbecue. Creamy, tangy, and packed with crunch, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Salad:
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon or grilled chicken (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, red onion if using, and bacon or chicken if desired. Toss well to combine.
- Serve: Just before serving, top with croutons for added crunch. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- To keep the lettuce crisp, add it just before serving.
- Use a high-quality Caesar dressing for the best flavor, or make your own.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
