Caesar Salad with Pasta

This Caesar Salad with Pasta offers a delicious twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining fusilli pasta with crisp romaine lettuce and a creamy, homemade Caesar dressing. It’s a refreshing yet satisfying dish, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a hearty side to any main meal. The addition of pasta makes it even more filling while still keeping the flavors you love in a traditional Caesar salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic Caesar salad but want something a little more substantial, this Caesar Salad with Pasta is just the thing. The fusilli pasta adds a delightful twist to the salad, turning it from a simple side dish into a main attraction. The homemade dressing is creamy and full of flavor, enhanced by the sharpness of Parmesan cheese and the subtle brininess of anchovies. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or as a cozy weeknight side, this salad will be a hit at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fusilli corkscrew pasta

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 anchovy fillet, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or equivalent anchovy paste)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

• 2 romaine hearts

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and allow to cool completely.

2. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and anchovy. Season with salt and pepper. Process until smooth and emulsified. Store the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to use.

3. Cut the romaine into 1/2-inch pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.

4. Toss the cooled pasta with the romaine in the bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad, add the remaining 1 cup of Parmesan, and toss to combine.

5. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Top with shaved Parmesan, if desired, before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.

• Vegan Version: Replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and skip the anchovies for a vegan-friendly dressing. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor in place of Parmesan.

• Extra Veggies: Add some chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for extra freshness and texture.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free while still enjoying the same great flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salad components separately for the best results. Keep the pasta, dressing, and romaine in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days, but the dressing can last for up to a week.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but if you’ve stored it in the fridge for a while, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to bring it back to its original freshness before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

2. Can I substitute the pasta with something else?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as penne, farfalle, or rotini. You could also use gluten-free pasta if needed.

3. What if I don’t have anchovies?

If you prefer not to use anchovies, you can substitute anchovy paste, or omit them entirely. You can also try a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for a similar umami flavor.

4. Can I use bottled Caesar dressing instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you prefer convenience, bottled Caesar dressing will work just fine. But the homemade dressing really elevates this dish with its creamy and fresh flavors.

5. Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, this salad is already vegetarian, but make sure to check the mayonnaise if you’re buying a store-bought version. Some brands may include non-vegetarian ingredients.

6. How can I make this salad spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or serve the salad with a drizzle of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.

7. Can I add other greens to the salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add other greens like spinach, arugula, or kale for extra texture and flavor.

8. How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, store the dressing separately and only toss the salad right before serving.

9. Can I freeze this salad?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing, especially with the pasta and dressing. The texture may change once frozen.

10. How can I make this Caesar Salad with Pasta lighter?

To make it lighter, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the dressing, and reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat version.

Conclusion

This Caesar Salad with Pasta is a refreshing take on the classic, with fusilli pasta adding extra texture and heartiness. The homemade Caesar dressing is the star of the show, with its rich, creamy flavor and perfect balance of tangy and savory. Whether you’re serving it as a side or as a main dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a fresh twist on a beloved classic!

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