CREAMY CAESAR PASTA SALAD

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pancetta

Turkey bacon reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated mozzarella

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and provides a cheesy flavor.

Caesar dressing

🥗Healthier: yogurt-based dressing

💰Cheaper: homemade dressing

Yogurt-based dressing is lighter and can be made with pantry staples.

croutons

🥗Healthier: toasted whole grain bread

💰Cheaper: store-bought bread cubes

Toasted whole grain bread adds fiber and is often cheaper.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add kosher salt.

Once the water returns to a boil, add penne pasta and cook according to package directions for 10 to 12 minutes.

While the pasta cooks, dice up some roma tomatoes and chop fresh baby spinach, ensuring it is washed and dried thoroughly.

Grate parmigiano-reggiano cheese.

Reserve a quarter cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process, then place it in a bowl once cool.

Add half of the creamy caesar dressing to the pasta and mix well.

Add the reserved pasta water to help the dressing stick, then add spinach, diced tomatoes, half of the grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.

Toss everything together, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, add the remaining half of the dressing and more cheese if desired before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens