Description
- Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad blends bold Caesar flavors with crisp broccoli and pasta for a refreshing, satisfying twist. Perfect for summer meals.
Ingredients
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For the Dressing:
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1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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3 anchovy fillets (in oil), finely minced into a paste
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1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad:
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4 ounces crusty bread, torn into bite-size pieces
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3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
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1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
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8 ounces broccoli, cut into 1-inch florets
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8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or similar short pasta)
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1/2 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup)
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Instructions
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Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the chopped garlic with lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes. On a cutting board, mash the anchovies with 1/8 teaspoon salt into a paste. Add this paste to the garlic-lemon mixture along with mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Whisk well. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if desired. Cover and refrigerate until needed. -
Prepare the Croutons:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the torn bread pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Spread the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Let cool. -
Cook the Broccoli and Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, until just tender. Use a sieve to lift out the broccoli and set it aside in a large bowl. In the same water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and add to the broccoli. Toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. -
Assemble the Salad:
Toss the chilled pasta and broccoli with about three-quarters of the dressing. Crush half of the croutons and mix them in along with three-quarters of the Parmesan cheese. Toss until combined. -
Serve:
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Top with remaining croutons and Parmesan. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta and Grain Salads
- Method: Boiling, Baking, Tossing
- Cuisine: American