Description
This Caesar Pasta Salad combines classic Caesar flavors with hearty pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal that comes together quickly and is packed with bold, savory taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Caesar Dressing Ingredients
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tsp)
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large romaine lettuce head (or 2 small heads), chopped
- 1/3 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 pound cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar until fully combined and aromatic.
- Create the Emulsion: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture to form a smooth, creamy emulsion.
- Incorporate Seasonings and Cheese: Add sea salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing, mixing thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed to achieve a balanced, zesty flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the chopped romaine lettuce into a large salad bowl. Add the shredded or shaved Parmesan, croutons, and cooked pasta on top.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the Caesar Pasta Salad immediately, garnished with extra black pepper if desired for added flavor and bite.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to cool and stop cooking before assembling the salad.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- For a vegetarian option, omit anchovy paste and substitute with capers or a splash of soy sauce for umami.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta cooking)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Caesar salad, pasta salad, easy salad recipe, homemade Caesar dressing, quick lunch, party salad
