Save to Pinterest 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.
This salad is perfect for warm days when you want something fresh yet satisfying. I love how the pesto adds a bright herbal flavor complementing the rich Parmesan.
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 ingredients 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.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around this salad brings fresh flavors and smiles to the table every time with family and friends.
Notes
For extra protein add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Substitute ditalini with small shells or elbow macaroni if preferred. For a lighter version use light Caesar dressing or Greek yogurt-based Caesar. Try arugula instead of spinach for a peppery twist. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements this salad.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Whisk Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 410 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 50 g Protein 13 g
Save to Pinterest This Caesar Pesto Ditalini Salad is perfect for a quick meal or entertaining guests with minimal fuss.
Common Questions
- → Can I use another type of pasta instead of ditalini?
Yes, small shells or elbow macaroni make good substitutes, offering a similar bite and texture to ditalini.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Replace Parmesan with a plant-based cheese and use vegan versions of the dressing components to maintain the creamy texture.
- → Is it better to serve this dish chilled or at room temperature?
It can be served immediately or chilled for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld effectively.
- → What nuts are used and can they be omitted?
Toasted pine nuts are included for crunch, but they can be omitted or replaced with toasted seeds if preferred.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it holds well when refrigerated for a few hours, making it ideal for advance preparation and easy serving later.