If you're seeking a dish that combines the crisp freshness of a Caesar salad with the hearty satisfaction of pasta, look no further than this creamy Caesar Pasta Salad. It's a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for summer gatherings or a simple family dinner.
I absolutely love my homemade Caesar Salad Dressing. Not only is its rich, tangy flavor always a hit, but it also elevates any dish it's added to. One day, while thinking about an easy summer meal, I thought, why not combine it with pasta?
Before long, Caesar Pasta Salad was born—a dish that everyone instantly loves. It’s not only creamy and satisfying, but also quick to make and perfect for warm weather. Plus, kids especially love it thanks to the pasta.
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Ingredients for Caesar Pasta Salad
- Spiral Pasta – First, the twists and ridges of spiral pasta are perfect for catching and holding onto the creamy Caesar dressing in every bite.
- Romaine Lettuce – Next, crisp, sturdy, and refreshing romaine adds a classic Caesar crunch and holds up well against the pasta and dressing.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Then, these juicy bursts of flavor add color, freshness, and a touch of sweetness to balance the salty and savory notes.
- Bacon – Additionally, cooked and crumbled bacon brings bold, smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dressing and fresh veggies.
- Caesar Dressing – Of course, this creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of the dish, tying everything together with its bold and savory flavor.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese – Furthermore, this cheese adds a salty, nutty kick and helps enhance the traditional Caesar flavor profile in every forkful.
- Parmesan Cheese Crisps – For even more texture, crushed cheese crisps bring irresistible crunch and an extra punch of cheesy goodness to the salad. Mrs. Cubbison's Cheese Crisps is an excellent option with clean and minimal ingredients!
- Salt & Pepper – Finally, these simple seasonings enhance and balance all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Caesar Pasta Salad
- Step 1: First, cook the pasta. Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon.
- Step 2: Next, in a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the top. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Toss the Salad: Now, Toss all the ingredients together.
- Step 4: Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, serve immediately. Wait to add the parmesan cheese and cheese crisps if not serving immediately.
Hint: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness.
Substitutions for Caesar Pasta Salad
This Caesar Salad with Pasta recipe is easy to adapt to your needs! Here are a few ingredient substitutions for this Caesar Pasta Salad recipe!
- Pasta: If spiral pasta isn't available, you can easily substitute with bowtie or penne pasta instead.
- Lettuce: Alternatively, swap romaine with kale or spinach for a different texture and added nutrients.
- Bacon: For a lighter or vegetarian option, consider using turkey bacon or simply omitting the bacon altogether.
Variations
This Caesar Pasta recipe is easy to adapt for all pallets! Here are some variations to accommodate for your crowd.
Kid Friendly Caesar Pasta Salad
To make this Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad more appealing to little ones, simply omit the bacon. Then, add grilled chicken or chicken tenders for a mild and protein-rich twist.
Spicy
If you love a little heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. As a result, you'll get an extra kick of flavor in every bite.
Extra Protein
For a heartier meal, consider mixing in grilled chicken, chopped chicken tenders, or grilled or sautéed shrimp. That way, you’ll boost the protein while keeping it delicious and satisfying.
Equipment Needed
Fortunately, you don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. In fact, just basic kitchen tools like a pot, a large mixing bowl, and a few utensils will do the trick.
Storing the Caesar Pasta Salad
If you're planning to make this Caesar pasta salad ahead of time, it's best to store the pasta, chopped vegetables, cheese, and dressing separately. Keep in mind that once you apply the dressing, the romaine lettuce will gradually lose its crispness. As a result, the salad may become a bit soggy over time. Then, simply toss everything together right before serving. This not only keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh but also preserves the overall texture of the salad.
Top Tip
Cool the pasta completely before mixing to maintain the crispness of the lettuce
FAQ
Yes, but for best results, add the dressing just before serving
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
Other Delicious Salads
- Grandmama's Fruit Salad
- Healthy Caesar Salad
- Southern Coleslaw
- Grapefruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz spiral pasta
- 10 C romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ¾ cup Caesar dressing adjust to taste
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese crisps crushed slightly
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Drizzle with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- Prep the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese & Crunch: Sprinkle in shredded Parmesan and crushed Parmesan crisps. Toss lightly again.
- Season & Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes before serving.
- Optional Add-Ons: Grilled chicken, tenders or rotisserie chicken makes a great protein boost if you'd like to turn it into a heartier meal.
Notes
Keep in mind that once the dressing is applied, the romaine lettuce will gradually lose its crispness. As a result, the salad may become a bit soggy over time. If you're planning to make this Caesar pasta salad ahead of time, it's best to store the pasta, chopped vegetables, parmesan cheese, cheese crisps, and dressing separately. Then, simply toss everything together right before serving. This not only keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh but also preserves the overall texture of the salad.
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