Are you looking for a salad that doesn’t collapse so quickly? Caesar Pasta Salad is THE salad to entertain. It’s easy to make, doesn’t wilt, and absolutely everyone loves it! Made with pasta, romaine lettuce, tomatoes (optional), Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and croutons. There’s a reason this salad continues to be a favorite among ABK readers and we make it year after year!
This salad was made to serve to large groups. I started making this salad while I was regularly attending missionary farewell and homecoming ceremonies for my children’s friends. It can be served as a side or main dish, or even rolled up in a sleeve and served as a sandwich! I love the versatility of this salad. If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, don’t worry. If you’re making our Caesar Pasta Salad as a sandwich, omit the croutons. Both pre-grated and freshly grated parmesan go well in this recipe.
This salad can also be made with homemade croutons, depending on how much time you have throwing them together! If you have leftover French or artisanal bread, slice or shred it and make homemade croutons with this easy recipe. Homemade croutons only take minutes and are worth the time and effort!
There are so many ways to make this salad a little more special. We love cooked chopped bacon or chicken to make it a little heartier. If you’re in a hurry, buy a rotisserie chicken and chop it up before adding it to the Caesar pasta salad.
I know you will make this classic salad again and again! Here are a few of our other favorite pasta salads: Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Salad, Mango Chicken Pasta Salad with Tarragon Dressing and Classic Shrimp Pasta Salad.
Caesar Pasta Salad was originally released in August 2011 and updated with new content in June 2022
Caesar pasta salad
Caesar Pasta Salad is made with pasta, romaine lettuce Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons for the easiest salad ever! Add chicken to make a main dish.
ingredients
-
1
lb
pasta
any shape (I like Radiatore) cooked al dente -
1
Envelope Good Seasons Italian Dressing
dry -
2
cups
grape or cherry tomatoes
halve them if you like -
2
large or 6 hearts of romaine lettuce
washed, chopped -
4
cups
Croutons
homemade or store bought -
2
cups
grated Parmesan cheese* -
1/2 to 3/4
32-ounce bottle of Cardini’s Original Caesar Dressing*, chilled before use if possible
instructions
Prepare – if possible the evening before serving:
-
Place cooked noodles in a bowl. Sprinkle with dry Good Seasons Italian Dressing and about 1/2 cup Cardini Dressing from the bottle. Refrigerate overnight.
The next day before serving:
-
In a large bowl, combine the prepared pasta, grape tomatoes, chopped lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Mix with about 1/2 the bottle of dressing. Let rest for a few minutes, add additional dressing to taste just before serving.
recipe notes
- I buy the grape tomatoes, romaine, croutons, parmesan cheese, and Cardini’s dressing from Costco.
- I usually prefer freshly grated parmesan, but in this case I like the bagged grated parmesan. It keeps better and does not “fade” in the salad. A large bag will last forever and can be frozen if needed. Found in the refrigerated section alongside other packaged shredded cheeses.
- If you can’t find Cardini’s, any other brand of Caesar dressing will work. Also, it’s best to chill the salad dressing before adding it to the salad, it helps keep the salad cooler.
- If grape or cherry tomatoes aren’t available or too expensive, use chopped Roma tomatoes instead.
- Adding chopped or sliced ​​chicken makes this salad a staple.
- This makes a huge salad, enough to serve about 30 as a side or 14-16 with chicken as a main.
it.