Description
A refreshing and zesty pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings, featuring fusilli pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup scallions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup toasted garlic bread pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the fusilli pasta in salted water until it reaches a tender yet firm texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool under cold running water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli, grape tomatoes, bell pepper, scallions, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- In another bowl, blend the Caesar dressing with Greek yogurt, onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mix, tossing gently to ensure every ingredient is coated in the zesty sauce.
- If desired, fold in the chopped basil leaves and toasted garlic bread pieces for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Serve the salad either cold or at room temperature for a refreshing dish.
Notes
- For added protein, consider mixing in diced grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- You can substitute fusilli with whole grain pasta or a gluten-free variety for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg