Description
A delightful mix of tender pasta, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing, enhanced with ripe avocado for a refreshing twist.
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
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, adding water if needed for desired consistency.
- Prepare the veggies: chop the romaine, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the red onion, and cube the avocado, tossing the latter with lemon juice.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, romaine, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado, then pour the Caesar dressing over the top and toss gently.
- Optional: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon if desired. Garnish with extra Parmesan, pepper, herbs, and croutons.
- Serve immediately or chill for a bit before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
For best results, add the avocado just before serving to maintain its texture. Customize the salad with additional proteins for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg