Caesar Pasta Salad is a nutritious and delicious side dish for Spring and Summer. This simple salad makes an excellent appetizer, and adding grilled or sliced chicken turns it into a satisfying entrée. Tossed in a flavorful homemade Caesar salad dressing is a fantastic choice for this tasty Caesar Pasta Salad that the entire family will enjoy.
PASTA SALAD INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups Rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 large head Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 ½ cups Caesar croutons
- ½ cup Shaved Parmesan cheese, shredded
CAESAR DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh Lemon juice
- 2 Tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 grated Garlic clove
- Pinch of Salt and Pepper to taste
In a large liquid measuring cup, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, and worcestershire sauce until thoroughly combined.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while mixing vigorously. Continue mixing until the olive oil is thoroughly absorbed.
Add the parmesan cheese and stir until creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and blend until smooth.
If the dressing is too thick, mix in 1 tablespoon whole milk at a time until it achieves your desired consistency.
Pour the creamy and savory Caesar salad dressing into a mason jar and refrigerate for up to five days.
PASTA SALAD INSTRUCTIONS:
In a big pot, combine water and salt. When the lightly salted water reaches a boil, add the rotini pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Drain and thoroughly rinse the cooked pasta with cool water until it is cool. Set aside.
Rinsing the cooked pasta in cool water helps to end the cooking process, keeping it from becoming overly mushy, and prevents the pasta from sticking together as it rests.
To prevent the cooked pasta from sticking together, toss in half of the Caesar salad dressing. Then, store it in an airtight jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until ready to use.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, shredded shaved parmesan cheese, and croutons. Toss in the remaining creamy dressing; if preferred, season with salt and black pepper immediately before serving.
** Chop lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and not soggy from the dressing.
** Croutons are frequently added just before serving to keep their crispy quality and avoid becoming mushy from the dressing.
Notes –
Homemade Caesar Dressing: Keeps well for about five days in an airtight container or a mason jar in the fridge.
Rotini Pasta: The ridges soak up all of the luscious creamy Caesar dressing. Rotini Pasta stores nicely in the refrigerator, making it ideal for dinner prep without turning mushy.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Just follow the packaging instructions. Pasta should only be cooked till al dente. Mushy pasta will not work well for this wonderful pasta salad.
Rotini pasta can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.
This healthful recipe works with any little pasta shape, including penne, cavatappi, and bowtie. However, I like rotini pasta in this dish.
Romaine Lettuce: To prepare this classic salad for the same day, wash and rinse romaine lettuce before chopping.
I recommend chopping the romaine lettuce. It provides a more authentic Caesar salad flavor and an appealing crispy texture. The crunchy romaine provides a refreshing element to this pasta salad.
Shaved Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy, acidic Caesar dressing. You can also use grated parmesan cheese; however, shaved parmesan cheese adds a different feel to this salad.
Croutons: These are an essential component of a Caesar salad! Adds a delightful crunch texture to the soft pasta and creamy dressing, keeping the dish from feeling boring.
Caesar-flavored croutons are my favorite. You can choose your favorite brand of croutons. Any kind will do.
Mayonnaise: A little mayonnaise makes this dressing extremely creamy.
Dijon Mustard: Adds depth to this dressing with its sharp and tangy texture.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor to this dressing, making it complex and enticing.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a rich flavor to this dressing, making it complex and enticing.
Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for the creamy dressing, keeping the pasta from sticking together.
Grated Garlic: Adds sharpness, zest, and fragrance to Caesar dressing.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A Caesar salad dressing classic that adds a nutty, salty flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Isused to enhance all of the flavors!
