Caesar Pasta Salad
If you love Caesar salad and pasta salad, then this Pasta Caesar Salad Recipe is going to be your new obsession! It’s got everything we adore about the traditional Caesar — crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing — mixed together with tender pasta for that hearty, satisfying bite. This Caesar Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is a total crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family dinners, or an easy weekday lunch.
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The first time I made this salad, it was a last-minute “what do I bring?” moment before a neighborhood barbecue. I threw together some cooked pasta with my homemade Caesar dressing, tossed in lettuce and croutons, and hoped for the best. Turns out, it was the first dish to disappear! Since then, it’s been my go-to Homemade Pasta Caesar Salad Recipe for every kind of gathering — from summer cookouts to cozy fall dinners.
What Makes This Salad Healthy?
This Caesar Pasta Salad may taste indulgent, but it’s actually loaded with nutritious ingredients. Romaine lettuce brings a boost of vitamins A and K, while the olive oil and lemon juice in the homemade dressing add healthy fats and antioxidants. Using whole grain pasta or chickpea pasta gives this dish extra fiber and protein. And if you want to make it even more balanced, toss in some grilled chicken for lean protein.
RELATED: This Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad recipe is made with a light Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing and is the perfect Spring salad!
Ingredients you’ll need
- Pasta (8 oz rotini or penne): A sturdy shape like rotini or penne holds onto the dressing perfectly.
- Romaine lettuce (1 large head): Crisp, refreshing, and the classic Caesar base.
- Caesar dressing (1 cup): Use my Low Carb Caesar Salad Dressing without Anchovies for a creamy, homemade touch.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds that salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
- Croutons (1 cup): Crunchy and golden — the perfect contrast to the tender pasta.
- Black pepper (to taste): A few grinds of fresh pepper bring a little kick.
- Optional cooked chicken (1 cup, sliced): Makes it heartier for a complete meal.
Why you’ll love this salad
- It’s quick and easy — ready in about 20 minutes.
- It can be served chilled or at room temperature, which makes it great for picnics and potlucks.
- The homemade Caesar dressing gives it that rich, creamy flavor without any anchovies.
- It’s a perfect way to use up leftover pasta.
It’s a crowd favorite every single time!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making This Salad
- Cook the pasta: Boil according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, homemade Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss it together: Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Add the crunch: Right before serving, fold in the homemade croutons or homemade chickpea croutons.
Make this Caesar Pasta Salad with Homemade Caesar Dressing, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Classic Waldorf Salad and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I make this Caesar Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep it a few hours in advance, but keep the croutons separate until serving so they stay crisp.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Of course, but once you try the homemade version, you’ll never go back. It’s creamy, tangy, and so easy to make!
What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like rotini, penne, or bowties work best since they hold up well and soak up the dressing.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely — just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and chickpea croutons.
How to Store Leftovers of This Caesar Pasta Salad with Homemade Caesar Dressing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep the croutons separate and add them just before eating. If the salad looks a little dry after chilling, add a spoonful of extra dressing before serving to freshen it up.
A Year-Round Favorite for Any Occasion
This Caesar Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is everything you want in a salad — creamy, crunchy, hearty, and fresh. It’s a tasty, healthy, and fun salad recipe that fits in any season and shines at potlucks, BBQs, or family dinners. Once you try this Homemade Pasta Caesar Salad Recipe, it’s going to be your new go-to side dish for every occasion!
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Caesar Pasta Salad with Homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe
INGREDIENTS
For the Past Caesar Salad:
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 large head romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken (sliced (for a heartier dish))
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss until well coated.
- Just before serving, fold in croutons and top with black pepper.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
PRIVATE NOTES
TRIED THIS RECIPE?
Let me know how it was!Other Classic Salad recipes to try
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