Caesar Pasta Salad

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Who doesn’t love a classic Caesar salad? Crisp, refreshing, and packed with flavor—it’s a go-to for good reason. But this isn’t your average Caesar. We’re taking that signature garlicky, tangy dressing you love and tossing it with pasta, fresh veggies, and a few fun extras to create a Caesar Pasta Salad that’s hearty enough to be the main dish but still light enough for a side.

It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for backyard BBQs, meal prepping for the week, or using up what’s in your fridge. Plus, you can easily dress it up with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak. This Caesar Pasta Salad is here to prove that comfort food can still feel fresh and seasonal, just the way we like it around here.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the creamy, savory flavors of a classic Caesar salad and pairs them with tender pasta for a hearty and satisfying twist. With bright cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a hint of parsley, it’s like your favorite Caesar salad got a fun and fresh upgrade!

Easy Weekday Lunch

Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch, this Caesar Pasta Salad comes together in no time and tastes even better the next day. It’s easy to pack, doesn’t require reheating, and keeps its fresh flavors and textures well in the fridge.

Versatile

Looking to make this salad more filling? Add your favorite protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced steak. These options complement the Caesar flavors beautifully and turn this pasta salad into a crowd-pleasing, protein-packed main dish!

Ingredient List

Bow Tie Pasta

The perfect pasta shape for catching all the creamy Caesar dressing in its folds! Cook it al dente for just the right bite.

Cherry Tomatoes

These little bursts of sweetness balance out the savory Caesar flavors. Slice or quarter them so they’re ready to mingle with the dressing.

Carrot

A pop of color and crunch! Shredding the carrot helps it distribute evenly throughout the salad, making sure every bite has a touch of sweetness.

Cucumber

Cool and refreshing, cucumber slices add a crisp texture. If you’re using a thicker-skinned variety, you can peel it for a smoother bite.

Parmesan Cheese

Nutty, salty, and oh-so-essential to that classic Caesar flavor. Use freshly grated if you can—your taste buds will thank you!

Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bit of earthiness. Don’t have fresh? Dried parsley works in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon).

Caesar Salad Dressing

Homemade Caesar Salad dressing is the way to go around here. Don’t worry, I walk you through how to create this simple dressing below.

Homemade Ceaser Salad Dressing

Capers

These briny little gems give the salad a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing. My family would probably never trust me again if I served them anchovies, so these capers come to the rescue as a perfect alternative!

Mayonnaise

The base of the dressing that brings everything together—rich, smooth, and just the right amount of creamy.

Dijon Mustard

Adds a touch of tang and depth of flavor to the dressing. Bonus: it helps emulsify the ingredients for a silky smooth finish.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dressing and balances out the richness. One medium lemon should do the trick.

Red Wine Vinegar

A classic vinegar that adds just the right amount of acidity without overpowering.

Garlic Powder

All the flavor of garlic without the bite, it blends seamlessly into the creamy dressing.

Worcestershire Sauce

That umami punch Caesar dressing is known for! Just a dash is all you need.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Rich and flavorful, olive oil gives the dressing its luxurious finish and helps all the ingredients come together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente—just firm enough to hold its shape when tossed. Once done, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down for the salad.

Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the pasta is cooking, get your veggies ready. Slice or quarter the cherry tomatoes, shred the carrot, and slice the cucumber. Set them aside for easy assembling later.

Make the Caesar Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil. Add the capers for that tangy, salty punch. Whisk or shake everything together until smooth and creamy.

Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your Caesar Pasta Salad to a serving dish, and top with extra parmesan cheese if desired. This salad can be served immediately or stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It tastes even better once the flavors have had some time to mingle.

Variations and Customizations

Add a protein to make it a complete meal

We love adding grilled chicken to this Caesar Pasta Salad. It is also great with shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or steak! 

Try different vegetables

When fresh veggies are in season, or I need to use up some vegetables I bought when I was feeling healthy at the store, this salad is the perfect place to use them up! We have tried chopped kale and diced red peppers before and it was delicious! If you try something you love, make sure to comment and let me know!

Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe