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Caesar Pasta Salad (3)

Delicious Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe You’ll Love

A creamy and versatile Caesar pasta salad combining tender pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or family dinners, this recipe can be customized with proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp and is easily adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup grilled chicken or shrimp (optional)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup croutons
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare Ingredients: Chop the romaine lettuce and optional protein (grilled chicken or shrimp). Grate the parmesan cheese.
  • Make the Dressing (if homemade): In a bowl, whisk 2 egg yolks, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Add parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, romaine lettuce, optional protein, and Caesar dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
  • Add Toppings: Sprinkle croutons, parmesan cheese, and any additional toppings like cherry tomatoes or parsley.
  • Serve: Plate the salad and serve immediately. For meal prep, store components separately and assemble before eating.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing.
  • Swap croutons with roasted chickpeas for a gluten-free option.
  • Add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days (store dressing separately).
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Caesar pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, quick pasta salad, summer salad recipe, pasta Caesar salad