Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
This recipe is a classic Caesar salad with a twist – pasta! It’s perfect for a potluck, picnic, or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
- For the Croutons:
- 2 slices sourdough bread, torn into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Salad:
- 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cucumber, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (optional)
- 1/2 cup Caesar salad croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- For the Dressing:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Anchovy paste (a pinch, optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Guide:
- Make the Croutons (optional): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool completely.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste (if using), and black pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, romaine lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, bacon (if using), and croutons (store-bought or homemade).
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Season with additional black pepper to taste.
Tips:
- Salad Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients to your Caesar Pasta Salad! Some ideas include grilled chicken, shrimp, roasted red peppers, black olives, or chopped bell peppers.
- Leftovers: Store leftover Caesar Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The croutons may become soggy, so it’s best to add them just before serving.
- Make-Ahead: You can cook the pasta and make the dressing ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- For a Lighter Dressing: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free croutons for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Enjoy this delicious and refreshing Caesar Pasta Salad!
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