Description
This fresh and satisfying salad combines tender fusilli pasta with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, and savory Parmesan cheese, all brought together with classic Caesar dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this vegetarian dish comes together in under 30 minutes and requires no cooking skills beyond boiling pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 bag chopped romaine lettuce, about 8 ounces, or substitute with fresh spinach or mixed greens
- 1/2 pound fusilli pasta, cooked, cooled, and drained, or use penne, farfalle, or your favorite shape
- 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing, or more to taste for extra creaminess
- 1 avocado, ripe but still firm, chopped just before serving to prevent browning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise for even distribution
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated tastes best, but pre-shredded works fine
- Optional ingredients, croutons for crunch, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, thinly sliced red onion, or chickpeas for extra protein
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, about 8-10 minutes depending on your stove.
- Cook Pasta: Add the fusilli and cook according to package directions, typically 9-11 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Cool Completely: Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water for 2-3 minutes, then set aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool completely, about 10 minutes, before mixing with the salad.
- Start with Greens: Place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large mixing bowl or on a serving platter as your base.
- Add Pasta: Top the lettuce with the cooled fusilli pasta, spreading it evenly across the greens.
- Layer Vegetables and Avocado: Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped avocado over the pasta, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese across the top.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the Caesar dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until every component is coated, adding more dressing if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes