This Caesar Pasta Salad is a tasty blend of pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing. Toss in some crunchy croutons and sprinkle with Parmesan for extra flavor!
Perfect for picnics or as a side dish, this salad makes everyone smile. I love making it the night before—it’s even better after soaking in the dressing. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for this salad because it holds the dressing well. If you can’t find it, any bite-sized pasta like rotini or penne works just fine. Just make sure to adjust the cook time according to the package instructions.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but you can also use spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile. I sometimes mix in a bit of baby kale for some additional nutrients.
Chicken: I love using cooked chicken breast for its lean quality. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas or grilled tofu are great substitutes. You can even use canned tuna for a different twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast for a similar taste or simply leave it out.
Caesar Dressing: The dressing is key! If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt as a base. For a vegan option, there are great vegan Caesar dressings available in stores or you can make your own with tahini or cashews!
How Do I Make Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs That Are Perfectly Crunchy?
Toasting panko adds a wonderful crunch to the pasta salad, and it’s so easy! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot before adding your oil.
- Pour in the olive oil and let it warm up for about 30 seconds.
- Add in the panko breadcrumbs and stir frequently to ensure they don’t burn. Keep an eye on them because they toast quickly!
- After about 3-4 minutes, they should be a nice golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before sprinkling over your salad.
This crunchy topping really elevates the dish! You can also experiment with adding spices to the breadcrumbs while toasting for extra flavor.
How to Make Caesar Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle (bow tie) pasta
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Caesar Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for up to an hour. Quick to make and a perfect dish for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. This will help cool it down quickly. Set the pasta aside.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled farfalle pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, and sliced cooked chicken breast. Give it a gentle mix to combine all the ingredients nicely.
3. Add the Dressing:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over your pasta salad mix. Using two spoons, toss everything gently so all the ingredients get coated with the dressing. You want every bite to be flavorful!
4. Season and Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together again to ensure it’s evenly mixed. Taste it to check if you want to add more seasoning!
5. Toast the Breadcrumbs:
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the panko breadcrumbs. Toast them while stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re golden brown. Watch carefully so they don’t burn!
6. Finish the Salad:
Once the breadcrumbs are toasted, sprinkle them generously over the pasta salad. This adds a lovely crunch to each bite!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Caesar Pasta Salad can be served immediately or you can pop it in the fridge for up to an hour for a cooler dish. If you like, add lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Caesar Pasta Salad!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds extra fiber. Just be mindful that it may take a little longer to cook, so adjust your timing according to the package directions!
What Can I Substitute for Caesar Dressing?
If you don’t have Caesar dressing on hand, you can use a vinaigrette or ranch dressing for a different flavor profile. If you want a homemade option, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a hint of Parmesan to mimic that creamy texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Caesar Pasta Salad?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the toasted panko breadcrumbs separate, if possible, and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces to keep everything well mixed!
