Oh, avocado—nature’s buttery gem, how you transform a classic Caesar salad into something utterly divine! Imagine a pasta salad so creamy, it feels like a hug in a bowl, yet light enough to enjoy under a warm summer sun. My friend tried it at a recent barbecue, and let’s just say the dish didn’t last very long.
Steps
- Prepare the fusilli pasta by cooking it in salted water as per the instructions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, rinse the pasta with cold water and allow it to drain thoroughly.
- Clean and chop the romaine lettuce, then dry it using a salad spinner or a clean towel to remove excess moisture. The dressing adheres better to dry lettuce. Place the lettuce in a large mixing bowl along with the pasta.
- Add diced avocado and halved grape tomatoes to the bowl. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients and toss them until everything is well-coated. Finally, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and croutons before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce (or 2 smaller heads)
- 1/2 pound fusilli pasta, cooked to al dente
- 1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (or adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup croutons
- Sliced grilled chicken
- Shrimp
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1680 kcal | Carbs: 204 g | Protein: 44 g | Fat: 72 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 44 mg | Sodium: 1232 mg | Potassium: 1900 mg | Fiber: 24 g | Sugar: 12 g | Vitamin A: 4180 IU | Vitamin C: 41.6 mg | Calcium: 404 mg | Iron: 6 mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare this Caesar Pasta Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. However, it’s best to keep the croutons separate and add them just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy.
- What can I use as a substitute for store-bought Caesar dressing?
- If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a creamy Caesar dressing at home. There are many recipes available online that can guide you through the process.
- Can I add protein to this salad?
- Absolutely! You can enhance the salad by adding sliced grilled chicken or shrimp, which can make it a more filling meal.
- Is it necessary to use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce?
- While a salad spinner is convenient for drying lettuce, you can also pat the lettuce dry with a clean towel if you don’t have one. Ensuring the lettuce is dry helps the dressing adhere better.
- What type of pasta is best for this salad?
- Fusilli pasta is recommended as it holds the dressing well, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, provided it’s cooked al dente.
Tips
- Ensure your lettuce is thoroughly dried before adding the dressing. This will help the dressing adhere better and enhance the salad’s flavor.
- For a more flavorful pasta, cook it in salted water and rinse with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking.
- Keep the croutons separate until just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
- If you prefer a personalized touch, consider making your own creamy Caesar dressing to elevate the dish’s taste.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner
