Sardine Caesar Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Tender pasta and crisp greens with sardines and a tangy Caesar dressing for a vibrant, tasty dish.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta and Greens

01 - 10 ounces short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
02 - 3.5 ounces romaine lettuce, chopped
03 - 1.75 ounces baby spinach (optional)

→ Sardines

04 - 2 cans sardines in olive oil, 4 ounces each, drained and filleted

→ Caesar Dressing

05 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
06 - 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
08 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
09 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish & Extras

13 - 1.75 ounces croutons
14 - 0.7 ounces shaved Parmesan
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente per package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, mix chopped romaine lettuce with baby spinach if using.
03 - Whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
04 - Incorporate the cooled pasta into the bowl with greens and toss lightly to combine.
05 - Gently fold in sardine fillets, breaking them into bite-sized portions without over-mixing.
06 - Pour Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
07 - Top with croutons, shaved Parmesan, and if desired, chopped fresh parsley before serving.
08 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours to develop flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This is the kind of pasta salad that makes even pantry nights feel like a treat.
  • Once you taste how the sardines melt into the creamy Caesar, you won’t look back.
02 -
  • If you don’t cool the pasta fully, the greens wilt too quickly and lose their crunch.
  • Mixing in the sardines last helps them hold together and stand out in texture and flavor.
03 -
  • Shave your Parmesan fresh for the most luxurious bite.
  • Let the salad chill for a bit but not too long so the pasta keeps its perfect bite.
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