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caesar pasta salad with bacon and garlic butter croutons

Caesar Pasta Salad with Bacon

This creamy Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of tender pasta, crispy bacon, crunchy romaine, and bold, garlicky homemade croutons. It’s quick to make, easy to adapt for dietary needs, and always a winner.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

  • 8 oz short-cut pasta such as rotini or bow-tie
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
  • ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan
  • ⅓ cup Caesar dressing check label if gluten-free

For the Garlic Butter Croutons:

  • 2 cups day-old bread torn into rustic chunks gluten-free if needed
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter or dairy-free alternative melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  • Make the garlic butter croutons: In a large bowl, toss the torn bread with olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. Remove, toss with minced garlic, and return to the oven for 4–6 minutes more until golden and crisp. Let cool.
  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and let cool completely.
  • Cook the bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  • Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, crumbled bacon, shaved Parmesan, and garlic croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss until evenly coated.
  • Serve: Plate immediately and top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Cool pasta: Warm pasta can wilt the lettuce and melt the cheese. Let it cool before assembling.
  • To Make Gluten Free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap in gluten-free bread for the croutons. Double-check the Caesar dressing label.
  • Nutrition Information is an estimate only and will vary according to ingredients and amounts used. 

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 17gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
Keyword caesar pasta salad, garlic butter croutons
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