Creamy Caesar Pesto Pasta Salad
Creamy Caesar pesto pasta salad is an easy variation on the picnic side dish. Rotini pasta gets tossed with pesto sauce, Caesar dressing, tomatoes, olives, pine nuts, and cheese for a yummy Italian spin.
Servings: 12
Calories: 283kcal
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz box rotini pasta
- 2/3 cup creamy caesar dressing
- 1/3 cup basil pesto sauce
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup diced roma tomatoes
- 1 3.8 oz can sliced black olives drained
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse/toss in cold water until completely cooled. Set aside.1 12 oz box rotini pasta
- To a large mixing bowl add the dressing, pesto, and garlic then stir together until evenly combined. Add the pasta to the bowl and gently toss until evenly incorporated.2/3 cup creamy caesar dressing, 1/3 cup basil pesto sauce, 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and gently stir until everything's evenly incorporated.1 cup diced roma tomatoes, 1 3.8 oz can sliced black olives, 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup pine nuts, 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
- Serve immediately, or chill for 1-2 hours beforehand.
Notes
- Make it a complete meal by tossing it with grilled or rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp.
- Add fresh basil for garnish if you want.
- Not into tomatoes or olives? Skip them! Love them? Double the amount!
Nutrition
Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 421IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1mg