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Pesto Pasta Salad
If pizza and Caesar salad had a delicious, crave-worthy baby, this would be it.
This Pizza Caesar Pasta Salad combines everything you love about a classic Caesar with all the best pizza flavors: crispy pepperoni, plenty of parmesan, crunchy romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and the ultimate crispy topping made with Fiber Gourmet Rotini and Fiber Gourmet Thinables.
The secret to this dish? Air frying cooked Fiber Gourmet Rotini until it's perfectly golden and crisp around the edges. It delivers the crunch of homemade croutons while adding even more satisfying pasta goodness to every bite. By using Fiber Gourmet Rotini, you get the same delicious pasta experience you love with half the calories of traditional pasta plus a massive fiber boost, making it the ultimate guilt-free summer dish or potluck showstopper.
1 box Fiber Gourmet Rotini (divided: 1 cup reserved for air frying, the rest kept for the salad base)
1 bag/head Romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup Caesar dressing of choice
1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or your favorite pizza seasoning)
1/2 cup Fiber Gourmet Thinables, crushed
Cool the pasta completely: Let the cooked rotini cool down completely to room temperature (or rinse with cold water) before assembling. Warm pasta will wilt your crisp romaine lettuce instantly.
Hold the Thinables until serving: Forget traditional croutons! Crushed Fiber Gourmet Thinables add a cheesy, seasoned crunch in seconds. To maximize that crunch, sprinkle them on the salad right before serving.
Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the Caesar dressing and clings to the rotini spirals beautifully, offering much better flavor and texture than pre-shredded varieties.
Shake the basket: When air frying your reserved rotini, make sure to shake the basket every few minutes. This ensures even browning and prevents the pasta strands from sticking together.
Cook and Divide the Pasta — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Fiber Gourmet Rotini according to the package directions. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water until completely cooled. Measure out 1 cup of the cooked pasta and set it aside for crisping; keep the remaining pasta for the salad base.
Air Fry the Pasta Croutons — Toss the 1 cup of reserved cooked pasta with a light drizzle of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Place in your air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until the pasta spirals are golden and crispy around the edges.
Crisp the Pepperoni — During the last 2 to 3 minutes of the pasta air-frying time, add the sliced pepperoni directly into the air fryer basket alongside the pasta. Cook until the pepperoni is perfectly crisp and slightly rendered. Remove everything from the basket and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Salad Base — In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and the rest of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Gently fold in your warm, crispy pasta croutons and crispy pepperoni.
Cook pasta separately, then toss with the sauce and serve.
Absolutely. While Rotini works exceptionally well because its ridges hold onto the creamy Caesar dressing, our Penne, Light Shells, or Elbows will also crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and work great as a substitute.
Yes, you can! Spread your seasoned, cooked pasta evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the oven at 425°F until golden brown and crisp, flipping the pasta halfway through the cooking time.
Yes. Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas would work well. Add softer vegetables near the end so they do not overcook.
Yes, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or any cheese that melts well.
Yes! You can prepare the main pasta, romaine, and dressing salad base up to one day in advance. Just store the air-fried crispy pasta, crispy pepperoni, and crushed Thinables in separate airtight containers at room temperature, then toss them into the salad right before serving so they don't get soggy.
When you're craving a heavy comfort food mix like pizza and pasta, you shouldn't have to compromise on your nutrition goals. This recipe flips the script on standard carb-heavy pasta salads.
By replacing standard white flour noodles with Fiber Gourmet Rotini and swapping out carb-dense croutons for crushed Fiber Gourmet Thinables, you double down on healthy dietary fiber while cutting the calorie load in half. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a giant, incredibly satisfying portion that supports your digestion and fits seamlessly into a balanced lifestyle.
Add More Protein: Turn this side dish into a hearty, standalone meal by tossing in grilled chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey pepperoni, or even grilled shrimp.
Add More Veggies: Boost the micro-nutrients by mixing in halved cherry tomatoes, sliced banana peppers, diced red onions, roasted red peppers, or crisp cucumbers.
Make It Spicier: Kick things up a notch by adding a generous pinch of red pepper flakes, using spicy calabrian pepperoni, or finishing the salad with a light drizzle of hot honey
Turn your favorite rotini into easy, flavorful meals. High-fiber, satisfying pasta recipes you can make any night of the week.
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