Caesar pasta salad

Indulge in the mouthwatering blend of crisp romaine lettuce, tender pasta, savory Parmesan cheese, and zesty Caesar dressing in this delightful Caesar Pasta Salad.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 loaf ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained
• 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, drained
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup chardonnay vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch kosher salt
• 1 romaine heart, halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for cooking
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups cooked orecchiette or fusilli pasta, cooled
• 4 small heads baby Bibb lettuce
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 8 fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus additional for garnishing

Instructions:

1. To make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Combine the oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl with the bread cubes. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Bake until they turn golden brown, flipping them halfway through, for a total of 12 to 15 minutes. Mix in the Parmesan while still warm and allow them to cool.
3. For the caesar dressing: Put the garlic, capers, anchovies, mustard, Parmesan, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a blender and blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. Pour in the olive oil and blend until the dressing is well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
4. Preparing the salad: Heat a grill on medium-high heat. Drizzle oil on the romaine heart halves and season with salt and pepper. Grill until they are slightly charred and tender, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cut them into small pieces.
5. In a medium bowl, mix the pasta with 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper. Add the romaine and dressing as desired, and toss until everything is well-coated.
6. In a large bowl, combine Bibb lettuce with lemon juice, the remaining tablespoon of oil, salt, pepper, and basil. Add the croutons and mix gently. Incorporate the pasta and romaine salad along with Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together. Sprinkle some more cheese on top before serving.

Summary:

• Calories: 3432 kcal
• Fat: 219 g
• Protein: 107 g
• Carbs: 259 g
• Potassium: 2073 mg
• Magnesium: 314 mg