Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad – Easy Side Dish for Potlucks and BBQs
If you need an easy side dish that works for just about anything, this Caesar Pasta Salad is a good one to keep on repeat. It’s made with tender pasta, crisp lettuce, parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing for a simple dish with plenty of flavor and texture. Great for cookouts, BBQs, potlucks, lunches, or busy nights when you want something quick and filling.
If you love easy cold side dishes, this Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad is another fresh and flavor-packed recipe that’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and summer meals.
How to Make Caesar Pasta Salad
Here are the ingredients you need to make this Caesar Salad with Pasta, plus step by step instructions for how to make it.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1 ½ cup chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup croutons, roughly crushed
Step by Step Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water for a few minutes to cool the pasta down and stop the cooking process. Add the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
2. Pour the Caesar dressing over the pasta and stir until all of the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Add the chopped lettuce and most of the parmesan cheese to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Top the salad with the remaining parmesan cheese and croutons just before serving for the best texture and crunch.
5. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Before serving, stir in a little extra Caesar dressing if needed, then add the remaining parmesan and croutons.
This Caesar Pasta Salad is easy to throw together and always a solid choice when you need a simple side dish. The creamy dressing, pasta, and crunchy lettuce make it filling without being too heavy, and it goes well with almost any meal. Make it ahead for gatherings or keep it simple for an easy lunch or quick dinner at home.
Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1 ½ cup chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup croutons, roughly crushed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water for a few minutes to cool the pasta down and stop the cooking process. Add the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the pasta and stir until all of the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add the chopped lettuce and most of the parmesan cheese to the bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Top the salad with the remaining parmesan cheese and croutons just before serving for the best texture and crunch.
- If making ahead, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Before serving, stir in a little extra Caesar dressing if needed, then add the remaining parmesan and croutons.
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