Pasta Caesar Salad With A Twist
Recipe: #24141
June 22, 2016
Categories: Salads, Vegetable Salad, Penne, Lettuce, Italian, 5-Minute Prep, July 4th, Picnic, Potluck, Grilling (Outdoor), Vegetarian, Fresh Tomatoes, Yogurt, Vegetarian Dinner, Italian Dinner, more
"A great salad; and, one of my favorites. It takes a classic caesar salad (using grilled romaine); and tosses it with penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, and black olives. Then, a creamy twist to the basic caesar dressing. And, if you want ... you can add grilled shrimp or chicken to make this a main lunch or dinner salad. The dressing does not include time for the dressing to rest."
Ingredients
- FOR SALAD
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- FOR ROMAINE
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- FOR DRESSING
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Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (327.6 g)
- Calories 595.9
- Total Fat - 30 g
- Saturated Fat - 4.8 g
- Cholesterol - 14 mg
- Sodium - 245.6 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 65.4 g
- Dietary Fiber - 11.8 g
- Sugars - 5.8 g
- Protein - 23.9 g
- Calcium - 302 mg
- Iron - 2.8 mg
- Vitamin C - 41.2 mg
- Thiamin - 0.3 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Dressing ... Mix everything in a small bowl or measuring cup until well combined. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Always taste, and adjust accordingly. I like lots of anchovies and vinegar; but, make it your own.
Step 2
Pasta ... Cook the pasta according to package directions in plenty of salted water. Then, drain and set to the side to cool. If you keep a little water in the pot (just a tablespoon or so); the pasta will not stick. I like to use a small penne; but, use your favorite type. Bowtie or corkscrew are both really good as well.
Step 3
Salad and Croutons ... Add the cooled pasta, drained well; tomatoes and olives to a bowl; and toss. Croutons - add them to a ziplock bag; and 'smash' them; using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or bottom of a pot or pan. You are not making bread crumbs; just a 'rough or coarse texture.' You will add them right before serving; so, just set them off to the side.
Step 4
Romaine ... Cut of the romaine hearts in half lengthwise; lightly brush with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice; and, season with salt and pepper. Then, grill on a grill pan or outside grill (even a large saute pan will work); just until you get a light char on both sides. You don't want it burnt; just a light sear. It will take 2-3 minutes per side. Then, set to the side, and chop. Add the lettuce to the pasta mix.
Step 5
Finish ... Add half of the parmesan, croutons; and, most of the dressing. Then, toss to combine. Now, I like to dress my salads lightly; but, use as much dressing as you like. Then, finish with the remaining parmesan as a garnish.
Step 6
Serve and ENJOY! ... Just plate family style. And, don't forget, add chicken or shrimp, if you want this to be more of a main dish for either lunch or dinner. It's a delicious twist on a caesar salad.
Tips
No special items needed.