Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad
With the addition of crunchy toasted pecans and optional shaved Parmesan, this salad makes the perfect side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 romaine heart, washed and chopped
- 3 cups cooked penne pasta
- ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Shaved Parmesan cheese, optional
For the Avocado Caesar Dressing:
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard, Dijon recommended
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons anchovy paste, optional
- ¾ cups water
Instructions
- Add the chopped romaine and cooked penne pasta to a large serving bowl. Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a blender, combine the avocado, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, optional anchovy paste, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Pour 1 cup of the prepared dressing over the romaine and pasta mixture. Toss until evenly coated. If you prefer a creamier salad, add more dressing to taste.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the salad and top with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired. Finish with a dash of extra ground black pepper for a little kick.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
Recipe Variations
• For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs. • Greens swap: Use kale, arugula, or spinach instead of romaine. • Nut substitution: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. • For a gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. • Cheesy twist: Add shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of feta for additional flavor. Dressing Details
• I use 1 cup of the Avocado Caesar Dressing in this recipe, so you'll have plenty left over. I deliberately made extra so you’ll have the flexibility to add more if you want a creamier salad, or if you want to increase the overall size of your salad by adding more romaine and/or penne. • The Avocado Caesar Dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days— so you can use leftovers to make a delicious sandwich spread, zesty dip for crunchy veggies, or healthy dressing for any other type of salad! Storage Tips
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep any extra dressing in a separate container to avoid soggy salad. • Dressing Storage: The avocado Caesar dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir or shake well before using.
• For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs. • Greens swap: Use kale, arugula, or spinach instead of romaine. • Nut substitution: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. • For a gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. • Cheesy twist: Add shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of feta for additional flavor. Dressing Details
• I use 1 cup of the Avocado Caesar Dressing in this recipe, so you'll have plenty left over. I deliberately made extra so you’ll have the flexibility to add more if you want a creamier salad, or if you want to increase the overall size of your salad by adding more romaine and/or penne. • The Avocado Caesar Dressing will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days— so you can use leftovers to make a delicious sandwich spread, zesty dip for crunchy veggies, or healthy dressing for any other type of salad! Storage Tips
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep any extra dressing in a separate container to avoid soggy salad. • Dressing Storage: The avocado Caesar dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir or shake well before using.
Nutrition Information per serving
Serving Size: 1.5 cupsCalories: 220Carbohydrates: 17gProtein: 9gTotal Fat: 15g— Unsaturated Fat: 12.5g— Saturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 470mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 5gTotal Sugar: 2g— Natural Sugar: 2g— Added Sugar: 0gCalcium: 78mgIron: 1mg
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.