Description
A quick and refreshing Caesar Pasta Salad that combines cooked pasta, crisp Romaine lettuce, and classic Caesar dressing, topped with Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped Romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing. Toss gently until the pasta and lettuce are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons evenly over the salad. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and add a light sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for best taste or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to chill. The salad is best enjoyed cold, making it a refreshing dish for warm days or a simple side for meals.
Notes
- Use your preferred pasta shape such as penne, rotini, or bowtie for best texture and flavor absorption.
- Rinsing the pasta with cold water after cooking stops the cooking process and cools the pasta to avoid sogginess.
- Store-bought Caesar dressing can be used to save time, but homemade adds a fresh, tailored flavor.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors and makes it a refreshing dish.
- Optional additions like fresh parsley and black pepper add brightness and a mild kick to the salad.
- This salad is good for quick meal prep and can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 day.
