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Fresh Classic Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Creamy Dressing

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A quick and easy pasta salad combining classic Caesar flavors with al dente pasta, crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) short pasta (like rotini, penne, or shells) – al dente
  • 3 cups (about 150g) romaine lettuce, chopped – crisp and fresh
  • 1 cup (50g) homemade or store-bought croutons – for crunch
  • ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of your chosen pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain well.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons (30ml) plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, 1 small minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth. Slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Wash and dry 3 cups (about 150g) of romaine lettuce. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, and 1 cup (50g) croutons. Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  5. Sprinkle ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and give one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings or a lemon wedge on the side if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Keep lettuce dry to avoid sogginess. Toss salad just before serving to keep croutons crunchy. For dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Vegetarian version can omit anchovy paste and add soy sauce or miso for umami.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar pasta salad, creamy dressing, quick pasta salad, easy Caesar salad, potluck salad, picnic salad, homemade Caesar dressing

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fresh-classic-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-dressing/