Caesar Pasta Salad with Avocado
User Reviews
4.8
Caesar Pasta Salad with Avocado
Description
This salad starts by cooking fusilli pasta until just firm, rinsed to cool and remove excess starch. Fresh romaine lettuce is chopped and thoroughly dried to help the dressing adhere better. The salad is then tossed with avocado, grape tomatoes, and Caesar dressing to coat thoroughly, enhancing each bite with creamy and savory flavors. Parmesan cheese adds sharpness while croutons bring in a crunchy texture.
The salad can be served as a side dish or a light main course and adapts well to added proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp for more substance. It offers a cool and fresh contrast to warm meals or can be enjoyed on its own for a balanced lunch. The use of avocado introduces a silky richness uncommon in traditional Caesar salads.
Ingredients
For the Caesar Salad:
- 1 romaine lettuce or 2 small heads, large
- 1/2 lb fusilli pasta cooked al dente according to package instructions
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted and diced, medium
- 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese to taste, grated
- 1/4 cup caesar dressing or added to taste
- 1/2 cup croutons
Optional add-ins:
- chicken or shrimp, sliced and grilled
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse in cold water and set aside to drain.
- Rinse, chop and spin the romaine lettuce dry using a salad spinner. If you don't have a salad spinner, pat dry with a clean towel. The dressing will coat the salad much better if the lettuce isn't wet. Transfer lettuce to a large mixing bowl. Toss in the pasta, diced avocado, and halved tomatoes.
- Add the Caesar Dressing to really boost the flavor of this salad. Toss to evenly coat the lettuce. Add the dressing to taste. Sprinkle with parmesan and croutons.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4as a side salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 420 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 420kcal | 21% |
| Carbs | 51g | |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 308mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 475mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1045IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 10.4mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 101mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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