Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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:

1. 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.
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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!