Caesar Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Caesar Pasta Salad
Description
The Caesar Pasta Salad features al dente rotini pasta mixed with fresh, chopped romaine lettuce and shaved Parmesan cheese. Crunchy Caesar-flavored croutons add texture along with the option to include tomato, avocado, chicken, or bacon for additional layers of flavor and nutrition. Salt and black pepper season the salad lightly.
The dressing combines Greek yogurt for creaminess with freshly grated Parmesan, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly whisking in olive oil creates an emulsified dressing with a balanced tangy, savory, and creamy profile. This dressing coats the pasta and vegetables, linking the ingredients with characteristic Caesar flavor notes.
This salad suits make-ahead preparations if the croutons and dressing are kept separate until serving, preserving their texture and freshness. It can be a side dish or a light main when proteins like chicken or bacon are added. The combination of pasta and crisp vegetables makes it a filling option during warmer months or for picnics.
Substituting mayonnaise for Greek yogurt is possible for a richer dressing, although Greek yogurt lightens the texture and adds protein. The salad recipe is flexible for preferences and ingredients on hand.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. rotini pasta
- 4-6 cups romaine lettuce washed and chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shaved, plus more for serving
- 1, .5 oz. bag croutons Caesar flavored
- black pepper to taste
- salt to taste
- tomato optional add ons, bacon in crumbles
- avocado
- chicken
- Bacon
Caesar dressing
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese fresh, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tsp. anchovy paste
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Add to a large salad bowl.
- To the pasta, add the chopped romaine, Parmesan, croutons, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together the yogurt, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Then slowly begin to whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Add a touch of water if needed to thin out dressing. Alternatively, you can make the dressing in a food processor to get it ultra smooth and creamy.
- Toss salad with desired amount of dressing. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For make-ahead meals, keep croutons and dressing separate to maintain crispness before serving.
- Add rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken breast, or bacon crumbles for additional protein and flavor.
- Homemade Caesar dressing is ideal, but bottled versions can be substituted if needed.
- Greek yogurt provides a lighter, protein-rich dressing; mayonnaise can be used instead for creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 258 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 258kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.001g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 379mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 179mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 261mg | 26% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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