Description
A delightful Caesar Pasta Salad that combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer picnic.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss pasta, chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, and Parmesan in the dressing.
- Add Crunch: Fold in croutons just before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and consider adding bacon, avocado, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Best enjoyed on the same day for optimal crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook + Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
