Pasta Caesar Salad – Easy, Fresh, and Perfect for Busy Nights
Pasta Caesar Salad combines tender pasta, crisp greens, creamy dressing, and savory toppings into a filling salad-meal. It balances freshness and richness with simple ingredients and bold flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 generous servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short pasta such as rotini or fusilli
- 1 large bunch romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup kale, finely chopped
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas, roasted or pan crisped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional croutons for extra crunch
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Then cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Next, drain and rinse briefly under cool water, then set aside to cool completely.
2. After that, whisk the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, anchovies, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until creamy.
3. Next, add the romaine and kale to a large bowl. Toss with a few spoonfuls of dressing until evenly coated.
4. Then fold in the cooled pasta, chickpeas, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine.
5. Finally, finish with remaining Parmesan, extra pepper, and croutons if using. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
The dressing can be made a day ahead and kept chilled. Add chicken or shrimp if a protein boost is desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous serving
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/pasta-caesar-salad/