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 has become a staple in my house for quick lunches and summer gatherings. The combination of flavors always impresses guests and keeps us coming back for more.
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 ingredients including basil 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 brings my family together outdoors where we enjoy fresh food and great conversations in the sunshine.
Notes
For extra protein add grilled chicken or chickpeas. 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 flavorful pasta salad fresh or chilled it’s perfect for any season and easy to customize.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this salad?
Ditalini pasta is ideal due to its small, tubular shape, which holds the dressing well. Small shells or elbow macaroni are good substitutes.
- → Can I make the pesto dressing from scratch?
Yes, homemade basil pesto enhances freshness, but quality store-bought pesto also works well for convenience.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days for best freshness and flavor.
- → Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Using vegetarian Parmesan cheese makes this dish suitable for vegetarians. Check dressing labels for animal-derived ingredients.
- → What can I add for extra protein?
Grilled chicken or chickpeas are great protein options that complement the flavors without overpowering the salad.