Pin 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 has become a favorite in my home for potlucks and warm-weather dinners, loved by kids and adults alike.
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 denté. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pesto, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, 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.
Pin This salad often brings the family together for summertime meals and gatherings around the table.
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. Wine pairing is a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Large pot, colander, large mixing bowl, whisk, knife and cutting board are needed to prepare this salad efficiently.
Nutritional Information
Per serving contains approximately 410 calories, 18 g total fat, 50 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.
Pin This Caesar Pesto Ditalini Salad is a perfect balance of freshness and creamy richness to enjoy anytime.
Recipe Q&A
- → What pasta works best for this salad?
Small shapes like ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni hold the dressing well and provide a pleasing bite.
- → Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Yes, fresh basil pesto enhances the bright herbal notes and complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
- → How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Rinsing cooked pasta under cold water stops cooking and cools it, helping maintain texture when mixed with dressing.
- → What are good substitutions for Parmesan cheese?
Vegetarian Parmesan alternatives or aged hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano can be used depending on preference.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the salad for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld, making it even more flavorful when served.