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Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad with Avocado

A revolutionary pasta salad combining creamy homemade Caesar dressing, tender pasta, crisp romaine, and buttery avocado for the perfect texture and flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Creamy Caesar Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp anchovy paste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/8 tsp salt or to taste
Pasta Salad
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 avocados ripe but firm, cubed
  • 1.5 cups garlic croutons
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, anchovy paste, garlic, Worcestershire, pepper, and salt until smooth.
  3. Place the cooled pasta in a large serving bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over it and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Add the chopped romaine and cubed avocado to the bowl. Pour the remaining dressing over the top.
  5. Gently toss all ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to over-mix and break the avocado.
  6. Just before serving, add the croutons and give the salad a final gentle toss. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, add the croutons right before serving to maintain their crunch. If making ahead, store dressing, pasta, and lettuce/avocado separately and combine just before eating.