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Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy Caesar pasta salad with Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables in a bowl
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This is a light and nourishing pasta salad featuring a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It combines al dente pasta with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for a satisfying meal that is both hearty and refreshing. Perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or as a make-ahead dish for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces short pasta (like rotini, farfalle, or penne)
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4-6 anchovy fillets, minced, or 1 tablespoon anchovy paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken or chickpeas

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water, then let it drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. If using, add the optional chicken or chickpeas.
  4. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is lightly coated. Add the remaining dressing if desired.
  5. Top the salad with the shaved Parmesan cheese. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss gently once more before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and add an extra pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is completely cool before adding the lettuce to prevent wilting.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/creamy-caesar-pasta-salad/