Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick, five-ingredient cold pasta salad that brings all the flavors of a classic caesar salad together with penne noodles. It’s one of the simplest pasta salads you can make, and it works as a light lunch, an easy side dish, or something quick to bring to a summer BBQ or potluck.
Caesar Pasta Salad
What I love most is how few ingredients this takes. Penne pasta, caesar dressing, romaine, parmesan, and crushed croutons on top. That’s it. It comes together in about 20 minutes, and the kids love it because it tastes just like their favorite salad but with pasta mixed in.
Ingredients & Equipment
- Penne pasta
- Caesar salad dressing
- Romaine lettuce
- Parmesan cheese
- Croutons
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large bowl
- Spoon
Step By Step Directions
This recipe makes 4-8 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes of cook time.
Step 1. Cook the pasta according to directions, rinse in cold water for a few minutes, then add to a large bowl.
Step 2. Stir the caesar dressing into the pasta, until combined.
Step 3. Add the lettuce and most of the parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
Step 4. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and croutons over the top to serve.
Step 5. If not serving immediately, cover and chill until ready to serve, then stir in a little more dressing, and top with the remaining parmesan and croutons to serve.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken: Sliced or diced grilled chicken turns this caesar salad pasta into a full meal. Rotisserie chicken works great if you want to keep it easy.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness that pairs perfectly with the creamy caesar dressing.
- Use rotini or bow ties: Penne is classic for this penne pasta salad, but other shapes work too. Rotini spirals hold onto the dressing really well.
- Add bacon: Crumbled bacon on top or stirred in gives this a caesar BLT pasta salad vibe that’s hard to beat.
- Try shaved parmesan: Instead of shredded, use a vegetable peeler to shave thin curls of parmesan over the top for a nicer presentation.
- Make it with kale: Swap the romaine for chopped baby kale if you want something heartier that holds up better when making it ahead.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover caesar pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce and croutons will soften as it sits, so this one is best served the same day. If you’re making it ahead, keep the lettuce, croutons, and reserved parmesan separate and add them right before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Save some parmesan and all the croutons for topping. Adding them right before serving keeps the croutons crunchy and the parmesan fresh on top.
- Roughly crush the croutons. You don’t want them powdered, just broken into smaller pieces so they mix in better and add crunch to every bite.
- Rinse the pasta really well with cold water. Warm pasta will wilt the lettuce fast, so make sure the noodles are completely cooled before tossing everything together.
- Use a good caesar dressing. Since it’s doing all the heavy lifting flavor-wise, pick one you really like. A creamy, thick caesar works better than a thin vinaigrette-style one.
- Add a little extra dressing if serving later. The pasta soaks it up as it sits, so a splash more right before serving keeps it from tasting dry.
- Chop the romaine into small, bite-sized pieces. You want it to mix evenly with the penne so you get a little lettuce in every forkful.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make caesar pasta salad ahead of time? You can cook the pasta and mix it with the dressing ahead of time, but save the lettuce, croutons, and reserved parmesan to add right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy.
What caesar dressing works best? Any store-bought creamy caesar dressing you enjoy will work. A thicker dressing clings to the pasta better than a thin one. If you have a homemade caesar dressing recipe you love, that works too.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Penne is perfect because the dressing gets inside the tubes, but rigatoni, rotini, or bow ties are all good swaps.
How do I keep the croutons from getting soggy? Always add them right before serving. If you stir them in too early or let them sit in the fridge with the salad, they’ll lose their crunch completely.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas are all great options. Sliced rotisserie chicken is the easiest way to add protein without any extra cooking.
Is this good for kids? Yes, most kids love caesar salad flavors, and adding pasta makes it even more appealing. You can always go lighter on the dressing if your kids prefer it less saucy.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- ½ cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1½ cup chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup croutons roughly crushed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to directions, rinse in cold water for a few minutes, then add to a large bowl.
- Stir the Caesar dressing into the pasta, until combined.
- Add the lettuce and most of the parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and croutons over the top to serve.
- If not serving immediately, cover and chill until ready to serve, then stir in a little more dressing, and top with the remaining parmesan and croutons to serve.
Notes
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