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A photo of a Caesar pasta salad on a white plate. The salad is topped with croutons, shaved Parmesan, and romaine lettuce, all tossed with pasta. There's a lemon wedge and extra cracked pepper on top. The plate sits on a marble counter, accompanied by a linen napkin and a fork.

Caesar Pasta Salad

This creamy Caesar pasta salad combines tender pasta with crisp romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and crunchy croutons. It's a fresh twist on a classic salad that's perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large pot To cook the pasta
  • Mixing bowl To toss the salad ingredients
  • Tongs or Large Spoon For mixing the salad

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta or other short pasta, cooked and cooled
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing store-bought or homemade
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated or shaved
  • 1 cup croutons preferably chunky
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool completely.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta and Caesar dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
  • Add chopped romaine and grated Parmesan. Gently mix to incorporate without wilting the lettuce.
  • Top with croutons and cracked black pepper just before serving. Add lemon wedges if desired.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days, adding extra dressing as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken or bacon to make it a complete meal.
  • Swap croutons for toasted chickpeas for extra crunch.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Keyword Caesar pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer side dish
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