I saw this idea on TikTok and I had to run with it. I especially like it because you are subbing out what would be more expensive lettuce for some pasta. Pasta is really inexpensive and can bulk up a salad like this. Feeding a crowd can be expensive and serving this pasta caesar salad can help!
This is a crowd pleases because it’s a delightful twist on a classic! This first time I made this I brought it to a birthday party and it was a huge hit! People tend to like things that are different. Most of the guests, had never had pasta caesar salad before. It’s the right mix of textures that truly inspires the taste buds!
Saving Money and Utilizing Leftovers:
The original recipe called for crusty artisanal bread to make the croutons. But honestly, I just don’t think that is necessary. I’m all about making things easier and more cost-effective here. So instead of buying expensive artisanal bread, I simply reached for a leftover piece of bread I had lying around. Waste not, want not, right? And if you don’t have bread, the Italian loaf from Walmart is about as high in price as you should go on this one.
Crunchy Croutons and Roasted Chickpeas:
Using roasted chickpeas in this salad takes it from side to main while only spending a few cents. For less than a dollar we’re adding protein and other vitamins and minerals to make this a complete meal. We’re actually going to roast the chickpeas with the croutons to add an additional crunch and lots of flavor to the salad. And for that flavor you really want to utilize that spice cabinet! Olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning go a long way on this one.
Final touches
The croutons and chickpeas are the “hard part” of this salad. All you need to do now is put it all together. Combine torn romaine lettuce, 1 lb of cooled farfalle or whatever short pasta you’d like, your roasted croutons and beans, a little red onion, shredded parm, and caesar dressing. You can make your own caesar dressing if that is more pantry friendly for you. I usually buy it because it’s really inexpensive and saves me time.
The Proof is in the Tasting!
You know what they say, the proof is in the tasting! This pasta caesar salad is sure to be a hit at any event you bring it to. The combination of flavors, textures, and the surprise element of pasta in a salad will delight everyone!
And to keep the inspiration going, check out this list of 25 rice and beans recipes that includes some delicious ideas for white rice! If you’d like to see the whole recipe in action, watch my youtube video where I make this and all 25 recipes!
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Caesar Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
This caesar pasta salad is a delightful budget friendly twist on the classic caesar. Crowds can't get enough and it's a great way to use what's already in your pantry!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf leftover bread
- 1 can chickpeas (drained, rinsed, patted dry)
- 1 drizzle olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz farfalle pasta
- 1/4 cup red onion (minced)
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- caesar dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
- Cube the leftover bread and place it on one half of a baking sheet.
- Place the chickpeas on the other half of the baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chickpeas and bread and toss to coat.
- Season the bread cubes and chickpeas with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Use your desired amount of seasoning.
- Bake the bread cubes and chickpeas in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the croutons from the baking sheet and set aside to cool. Return the chickpeas to the oven for another 10 minutes of cooking.
- While the croutons and chickpeas are baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Don't forget to add salt to the boiling water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool it down.
- In a medium to large-sized bowl, tear up the romaine lettuce and place it in the bowl.
- Add the minced red onion on top of the lettuce.
- Once the croutons and chickpeas have cooled, you can either store them separately or add them directly to the salad (depending on when you plan to serve it)
- Pour the cooled pasta onto the lettuce and onion mixture. Pour over your desired amount of caesar dressing and toss.
- Sprinkle over shredded parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can also follow a specific Caesar dressing recipe if you prefer homemade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
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