Description
A vibrant and creamy pasta salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings, featuring avocados, fresh vegetables, and a luscious Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 ripe avocado (cubed)
- 0.25 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.25 cup croutons (optional)
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 tbsp water (to thin dressing, if needed)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the rotini or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add water as needed for consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and cubed avocado. Fold gently to mix.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, fresh herbs, and croutons if desired. Serve immediately or chill for an hour to enhance flavors.
Notes
For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or shrimp. Customize with seasonal vegetables or herbs for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg