Description
A creamy twist on the traditional Caesar salad, this Caesar Pasta Salad combines rotini pasta, crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
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
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and croutons.
- If using, add the cooked chopped grilled chicken for a heartier version.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
For best texture, add lettuce and croutons just before serving.
Use any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or fusilli as a substitute.
Add protein like grilled shrimp or chickpeas for variation.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Vegetarian? Use a Caesar dressing without anchovies and skip the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (post-boil assembly)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
