Quick and Simple Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

The best type of recipes are those that don't require much forethought, simple ingredients, and can be put together in under 30 minutes. That's why I love this quick and simple caesar pasta salad recipe. With just five ingredients, you've gone from assembly to dinner table, or lunch table, in no time. Plus, you can add virtually anything to it to amp it up. Double win!

Pasta salads are typically more popular during the summer months, but who doesn't love a caesar salad paired with delicious pasta any time of year?

Salads are great for just about any appetite and occasion, like my caprese pasta salad or my shaved brussel sprout salad. They go with just about anything.

What are the ingredients for this recipe?

1. Romaine Lettuce: All good caesar salads start with a classic romaine lettuce.
2. Parmesan Cheese: I like to use fresh shaved pieces, or you can buy shaved slices of parmesan at your local grocer.
3. Caesar Dressing: I don't typically make my own, admittedly I'm not much of a dressing or marinade maker, so I tend to browse stores for ones that have the best ingredients. Newman's Own and Primal Kitchen are some of my go to dressings.
4. Croutons: You can't make a caesar salad without having croutons.
5. Pasta: I chose to use a gluten-free version for this dish, because it's what I had, but I love Barilla, Delallo, and GoodWheat pasta for this recipe.

See the recipe card below for specific information about quantities.

Swaps and Substitutions

If you're looking to make this recipe for yourself or for others that may have some dietary needs, here's what I suggest in terms of swaps and substitutions:

• Pasta: This recipe is made using a gluten free pasta, so you can keep that the same, or swap for the pasta of your choosing.
• Cheese/Dressing: Opt for a dairy-free version and dairy-free parmesan cheese for those allergic to dairy.
• Croutons: You can use gluten-free croutons here, or leave them out if you can't find an alternative.

Variations and Add-in Suggestions

I love when recipes are blank canvases where you can add to it and make it an entire new dish, or another type of meal. Here are some ways you can vary this pasta salad, and some serving suggestions for when you make it:

• Protein: Feel free to add sliced steak chicken (like my juicy chicken cutlets), salmon, or any other protein that fits your craving (tofu would be great here too!)
• Veggies: Throw in other vegetables if you want to add more texture such as chickpeas, cucumbers, craisins, or even some almonds or walnuts.

How do I store this recipe?

If you've already added the salad dressing to this, I would suggest storing in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, after that, the recipe becomes a little difficult to eat and quite soggy. If you want to preserve some of the leftovers, you can keep the pasta and the salad separate, as well as the salad dressing. Assemble when you want to serve it, or prep it as a meal prep. The pasta will keep for a few days, as will the lettuce and parmesan.

Hungry for More?

Looking for a recipe to pair this with? Try out one of my chicken recipes:

Quick and Simple Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Morgan Peaceman

The easiest caesar pasta salad recipe you will find. Five ingredients is all it takes to make yourself this show-stopping salad.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 large pot
• 1 strainer
• salad spoons
• 1 cutting board

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb pasta of choice preferred rotini or fusilli
• 1 head romaine lettuce rinsed then chopped
• 1 cup croutons
• 1 cup parmesan cheese shaved or grated
• ¼ cup caesar dressing to taste

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then cook the desired pasta to al dente. Strain, then set aside.
• Chop a head of romaine lettuce, rinse and pay dry.
• Add the romaine lettuce, pasta, croutons, and parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl.
• Pour the caesar dressing on top, then mix thoroughly with large mixing spoons.

Keyword caesar pasta salad, caesar salad, gluten free, pasta salad

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!