Name: Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup croutons; Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chopped grilled chicken

A creamy twist on the traditional Caesar salad, this Caesar Pasta Salad is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something easy, refreshing, and full of flavor. It combines tender rotini pasta, crunchy romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crispy croutons, all tossed in a bold Caesar dressing. Whether I’m planning for a summer potluck, a picnic, or just a simple dinner at home, this dish always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Caesar Pasta Salad because it blends the comfort of pasta with the freshness of a salad. It’s incredibly versatile—I can serve it as a side or bulk it up with grilled chicken for a full meal. It’s also a crowd-pleaser; whether it’s for a family get-together or packed into meal prep containers, it’s always a hit. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz rotini pasta

1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup croutons

Optional: 1/2 cup cooked chopped grilled chicken

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it completely.

In a large bowl, I combine the cooled pasta with Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder. I toss everything to coat evenly.

Next, I gently fold in the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and croutons.

If I’m using grilled chicken, I add it in at this stage for a heartier version.

I like to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving—it really helps the flavors meld together.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings and comes together in just 20 minutes—10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time. Each serving contains approximately 325 kcal.

Variations

There are so many ways I like to change things up with this Caesar Pasta Salad. Sometimes I use different pasta shapes like bowtie or penne for a fun texture switch. I’ve also swapped in kale or spinach for the romaine. If I want to add extra protein, I’ll mix in grilled shrimp or chickpeas. For a tangy kick, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top does wonders.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, I usually wait to add the lettuce and croutons until just before serving, so they don’t get soggy. Since it’s a cold pasta salad, I don’t reheat it—it’s best served chilled.

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FAQs

How can I make this Caesar Pasta Salad vegetarian?

I skip the grilled chicken and use a vegetarian Caesar dressing that doesn’t include anchovies.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. I just wait to add the romaine and croutons until just before serving to keep them crisp.

What type of Caesar dressing should I use?

I use either a good-quality store-bought dressing or make my own if I have time. A creamy version works best here.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. I’ve used penne, fusilli, and even farfalle. Any short pasta that holds dressing well will do.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, I find it perfect for meal prep. I keep the lettuce and croutons separate until I’m ready to eat, then mix them in for freshness.

Conclusion

This Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing, filling, and flexible dish I turn to again and again. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable to whatever I have on hand. Whether I’m prepping meals for the week or looking for a crowd-pleasing side, it never lets me down.

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