If you are looking for Publix Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe then you are on the right blog page. In this post, I have shared the Copycat Publix Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe with some useful information that you will like a lot I hope.
what is Publix Caesar Pasta Salad?
Publix Caesar Pasta Salad is a tasty dish made with small shell pasta, artichoke hearts, spinach, Kalamata olives, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. It’s a delightful blend of pasta and flavorful ingredients.
The small shell pasta is cooked until it’s just the right texture, called “al dente,” which means it’s not too soft or too hard. Then, it’s mixed with chopped artichoke hearts, thawed spinach, sliced Kalamata olives, and a delicious Caesar dressing. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a yummy finish to the salad.
After mixing everything together, the salad is kept in the fridge for at least 3 hours to let the flavors blend, or you can even make it the night before for an even tastier result. Once it’s chilled and the flavors have mingled, you have a refreshing, flavorful Publix Caesar Pasta Salad ready to be enjoyed. It’s a perfect side dish for meals or a great standalone dish for any occasion.
The Ingredients & Tools Needs For Publix Caesar Pasta Salad
The ingredients and Tools are as follows:
Ingredients:
Pasta: You will need 1 lb of shell pasta. Colavita or De Cecco brand shell pasta is recommended.
Olive Oil: You will need some olive oil. Use Pompeian or Bragg brand olive oil.
Spinach: You will need 12 oz of frozen spinach, thawed and water squeezed completely out. Use Happy Belly Brand frozen spinach.
Artichoke Hearts: You will need 15 oz of Artichoke Hearts, drained and roughly chopped. Kirkland Signatur or Del Monte brand Artichoke Hearts are recommended
Kalamata Olives: You will need 1 cup of sliced Kalamata Olives, drained. Use Mario Camacho or Pearls brand Kalamata Olives.
Salt & Pepper: You will need some Salt And Pepper to taste. Use Morton brand salt and Badia brand ground black pepper.
Caesar Dressing: You will need 1 1/2 cups of Caesar Dressing. First Street or Kraft brand Caesar dressing is recommended.
Parmesan Cheese: You will need 1/4 cup of Shredded Parmesan Cheese. Use Kraft brand shredded parmesan cheese to get the best taste.
Equipment & Tools:
You will need a Stove, Pot, Mixing Bowl, Measuring Cup, Measuring Spoon, and Serving Plate.
So, let’s see How To Make the Publix Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe at Home!
Publix Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment & Tools
- Stove
- Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoon
- Serving Plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb De Cecco Shell Pasta, Recommended
- Drizzle Of Olive Oil
- 12 oz Frozen Spinach, Thawed And Water Squeezed Completely Out
- 15 oz Artichoke Hearts, Drained And Roughly Chopped
- 1 cup Pearls Sliced Kalamata Olives, Drained
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
- 1 ½ cups Kraft Caesar Dressing, Recommended
- ¼ cup Kraft Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Recommended
Instructions
- Boil 4-6 quarts of water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt.
- Pour the small shell pasta into the boiling water and gently stir.
- Let it boil uncovered for about 8 minutes for "al dente" pasta, stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pasta, stirring gently.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained and chopped artichoke hearts, thawed spinach, sliced Kalamata olives, Caesar dressing, salt, pepper, and shredded Parmesan cheese with the pasta. Mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate the prepared pasta salad for at least 2 hours, or better overnight for enhanced flavors.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Publix Caesar pasta salad!
Nutrition
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Variations & Tips For Publix Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Variations:
Add Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, include grilled chicken slices. Cook the chicken separately and add it to the salad for extra protein.
Vegetarian Twist: To make it vegetarian-friendly, skip the chicken and add more veggies like cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or cucumber for a fresh touch.
Switch Dressings: Experiment with different dressings like a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy ranch for a unique flavor that suits your taste.
Tips:
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta while boiling. It should be “al dente,” meaning it’s cooked but still slightly firm. Follow the suggested boiling time for best results.
Thoroughly Drain Ingredients: Ensure the spinach, artichoke hearts, and olives are well drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad, maintaining its texture and taste.
Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or, ideally, overnight. This allows the flavors to blend together, making it even more delicious when served.
what to serve with Publix Caesar Pasta Salad?
You can serve Publix Caesar Pasta Salad with various dishes to create a complete and tasty meal. Here are some simple ideas:
Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Pair the pasta salad with grilled or roasted chicken for a delicious and balanced meal. The chicken adds protein and goes well with the flavors of the salad.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a great side to accompany the pasta salad. They add a healthy touch and enhance the overall meal.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for a delightful accompaniment. The bread’s crunch and garlic flavor complement the pasta salad.
Fresh Garden Salad: Create a side salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite veggies. This light and refreshing addition balances the meal.
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FAQs about Publix Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can try using other pasta shapes like penne or rotini if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long can I store the pasta salad in the refrigerator?
It can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Can I use homemade Caesar dressing instead of bottled?
Absolutely! Homemade dressing can be used. Adjust the quantity to your taste, and feel free to experiment with various homemade dressings.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking?
After draining the cooked pasta, you can rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. A light drizzle of olive oil can also help.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes, it’s actually better when made in advance. Making it the night before allows the flavors to blend, creating a more delicious salad.
Can I make this pasta salad without certain ingredients if I don’t like them?
Of course! You can adjust the ingredients to your preference. If you don’t like a particular ingredient, feel free to leave it out or substitute it with something you prefer.
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Conclusion
Publix Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish, blending small shell pasta with artichoke hearts, spinach, Kalamata olives, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese. It offers a medley of flavors that mingle together when chilled, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad.
This versatile recipe allows for personalization with added grilled chicken, various veggies, or different dressings. Making it in advance lets the flavors deepen, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or as a side for meals. It’s a delightful, make-ahead option that satisfies taste buds with its vibrant taste and simple preparation, perfect for any occasion.
Thanks for posting this recipe. Publix Caesar pasta salad is a favorite in our home and it’s rarely found at our local store.