This tri-color pasta salad is one of my favorite pasta salads. It has a creamy yet simple dressing that is perfect for the tender pasta. Creating an amazing pasta salad. Every time I make it for a party it is devoured and everybody just loves it!
Ingredients:
- 12-ounce package tri-color rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 2/3 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse, kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 (6-ounce) can black olives, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (or green onions)
- 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 6-10 fresh basil leaves, cut into strips or torn into pieces, plus more for garnish, if desired
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 to 1 cup toasted pine nuts
Directions:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions. Drain and coat with the Caesar dressing while still warm.
Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the pine nuts and extra basil. Toss well to combine. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
Refrigerate until ready to serve (4-8 hours). If the pasta salad seems dry after refrigerating, add a little more Caesar dressing and stir to combine. Before serving, top with pine nuts and fresh basil, if desired.
