Pin It 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.
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.
Pin It Required Tools
Large pot, Colander, Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (Parmesan, Caesar dressing), Eggs (Caesar dressing, possibly pesto), Tree nuts (pesto, pine nuts), Fish (Caesar dressing may contain anchovies), Gluten (pasta)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 410, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 13 g
Pin It A refreshing and satisfying salad that brings together classic flavors with a nutritious profile.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this salad?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni hold dressing well and complement the salad's texture.
- → Can I make the pesto and dressing from scratch?
Yes, homemade basil pesto and Caesar dressing add freshness and allow you to adjust flavors to your preference.
- → How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling it for about 30 minutes helps the flavors meld, but it can also be served immediately for a fresher bite.
- → What are good substitutions for pine nuts?
Toasted walnuts or almonds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor if pine nuts are unavailable or allergic.
- → Can this dish be adapted for added protein?
Grilled chicken or chickpeas work well to boost protein content while maintaining the salad's fresh appeal.