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pesto tomato avocado caesar pasta salad

Basically, six of my favorite things all wedged into one bowl. And one overlong recipe title...
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Course, Salad
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

feta pesto

  • 1 1/2 cups baby arugula
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/4-1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

caesar dressing

  • 3/4 cup vegan or regular mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp anchovy paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded

pasta salad

  • 1 lb short cut pasta
  • 1/3-1/2 cup pesto (use to taste)
  • 1 cup low moisture mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup sharp provolone cheese, cubed
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cups baby arugula
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooling process.
  • In the meantime, make the pesto sauce and the Caesar dressing. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the arugula, cilantro, basil, dill, feta, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Run the processor while slowly streaming in the olive oil until pulsed and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Transfer to a jar or bottle.
  • Clean out the bowl of the food processor and make the Caesar dressing. Combine the vegan or regular mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, dijon mustard, anchovy paste, garlic cloves, parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blitz until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
  • In a big ass fucken bowl, toss together the pasta, pesto, mozzarella and provolone, romaine, arugula, tomatoes, and avocado. Divide into bowls or plates and serve with the remaining pesto and the Caesar dressing on the side.

Notes

*To prep ahead: Omit the avocado from the salad until ready to serve. Otherwise, follow directions as written.
Keyword avocado, caesar, cheese, cherry tomatoes, easter, healthy, pasta, pasta salad, pesto, salad, spring, vegetarian