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Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Romaine Parmesan Delight

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A quick and easy creamy Caesar pasta salad featuring fresh romaine, Parmesan cheese, and a homemade tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying light meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 large head fresh romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended, or Greek yogurt for lighter twist)
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp water (to thin dressing if needed)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain pasta using a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely (about 5 minutes).
  2. While pasta cooks, wash and chop one large head of fresh romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a small bowl or blender, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Whisk or blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If dressing is too thick, add up to 2 tbsp water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine, and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Fold in 1 cup croutons if desired.
  5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Toss gently before serving and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente for best texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior flavor. Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy lettuce. Salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep romaine crisp. For vegetarian version, omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian alternative. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the salad gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar dressing, pasta salad, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, easy pasta salad, potluck recipe, summer salad

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