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–+ servings
Bertha Jones

Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad with Avocado

This Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad with Avocado combines classic Caesar flavors with creamy avocado and fresh veggies, perfect for lunch or a picnic.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta Use whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber.
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado cubed Toss lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup croutons (optional) Add just before serving to maintain crunch.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Can swap with plain Greek yogurt (1:1) for a healthier option.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated melts better than pre-grated.
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice Adjust acidity to taste.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce Can substitute with soy sauce in a pinch.
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp water to thin dressing if needed

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and add water as needed to thin.
  3. Chop the romaine, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and cube the avocado. Toss the avocado lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, romaine, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
  2. If using, stir in the croutons and any optional protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
Serving
  1. Garnish with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately or chill for 20-30 minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 18g

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep avocado and croutons separate until serving. This salad can be made ahead of time.

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