Pasta salad with Caesar dressing is an easy dish to make and is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and other gatherings. This creamy, flavorful salad is made with cooked pasta, creamy Caesar dressing, and fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and green onions. It’s a great side dish to serve with grilled meats or fish, or as a light lunch or dinner. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
To make pasta salad with Caesar dressing, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of rotini or other short pasta
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing (see note below)
- 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup of chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup of chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: You can use store-bought Caesar dressing or make your own. To make your own, mix 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Instructions
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, garlic, green onions, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Add the cooked pasta and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad with Caesar dressing is a great side dish for grilled meats and fish. It’s also a delicious light lunch or dinner by itself. If you’re serving it as a side dish, you can top it with grilled chicken, seared steak, or grilled shrimp. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast.
Variations
This pasta salad recipe is very versatile, so you can customize it to your tastes. You can use different types of short pasta, like penne or bow ties. You can also use different vegetables, like artichokes, carrots, or celery. If you want to add some protein, you can add cooked bacon, diced chicken, or canned tuna. You can also add some capers, anchovies, or olives for more flavor.
FAQs
What type of pasta do you use for pasta salad?
For this recipe, we recommend using a short pasta like rotini or penne. You can also use bow ties, macaroni, or shells.
Can you make pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this pasta salad ahead of time. If you’re planning to serve it right away, you can make it up to 4 hours ahead of time. If you’re making it for later, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can you freeze pasta salad?
No, we don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad. The texture of the pasta will change when it’s thawed, so it’s best to make it fresh.
What can you serve with pasta salad?
This pasta salad goes well with grilled meats and fish. It’s also delicious as a light lunch or dinner on its own. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast.
Can you make pasta salad without dressing?
Yes, you can make pasta salad without dressing. Just mix the cooked pasta with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and your choice of vegetables. You can also add some capers, anchovies, or olives for more flavor.
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