Save A vibrant pasta salad that combines the creamy tang of Caesar dressing with fresh basil pesto, tossed with ditalini pasta, crisp vegetables, and savory Parmesan for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish.
This salad quickly became a favorite in my family for its unique flavor combination and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta 250 g ditalini pasta, 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)
- Pesto Caesar Dressing 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 3 tbsp Caesar dressing, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 small garlic clove, minced, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Salad Components 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped, 1/2 cup cucumber, diced, 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped, 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional), 1/4 cup Parmesan shavings, 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pesto, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Step 3:
- Add the cooled ditalini pasta to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Step 4:
- Gently fold in cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, cucumber, red onion, and black olives (if using).
- Step 5:
- Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Top with Parmesan shavings and toasted pine nuts, if desired.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Save This salad often leads to happy family gatherings and compliments for its fresh and unique flavor.
Notes
For extra protein add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Substitute ditalini with small shells or elbow macaroni if preferred. For a lighter version use light Caesar dressing or Greek yogurt-based Caesar. Try arugula instead of spinach for a peppery twist. Wine pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements this salad.
Required Tools
Large pot, Colander, Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 410, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Protein 13 g per serving
Save Enjoy this fresh and flavorful salad as a perfect meal or side dish any time of year.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Ditalini pasta is ideal due to its small tubular shape, allowing it to hold the creamy dressing well. Small shells or elbow macaroni are good substitutes.
- → Can I make the dressing from scratch?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing by combining fresh basil pesto with Caesar-style dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and grated Parmesan for a flavorful blend.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
It can be vegetarian if you use Parmesan without animal rennet. Double-check all components like dressing and pesto for non-vegetarian ingredients.
- → What are some good additions to enhance protein content?
Grilled chicken or chickpeas make excellent protein boosts while keeping the salad balanced and hearty.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container. Chilling the salad for about 30 minutes before serving helps flavors meld nicely.