5-Ingredient Caesar Pasta Salad (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

 

This 5-Ingredient Caesar Pasta Salad comes together in just 30 minutes! With the help of a simple Caesar salad kit, tender pasta, and savory salami, it’s an easy, satisfying weeknight meal that tastes like a deli favorite — without the extra work.

5-Ingredient Caesar Pasta Salad (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

I’m bringing you another 5-Ingredient Meal! My last post — 5-Ingredient Steak Salad with Avocado — was such a time-saver for busy weeknights that I couldn’t wait to share another easy recipe in the series.

This 5-Ingredient Caesar Pasta Salad might just be even easier. It starts with a simple Caesar salad kit and turns into something that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. A handful of ingredients — tender mini farfalle, sliced salami, a few pepperoncini, and some red onion — give it a hearty, deli-style twist that’s ready in just about 30 minutes.

It’s the kind of dinner that checks every box: quick, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re too tired to cook after work or just need something you can toss together without thinking too hard, this pasta salad is a total win for busy nights.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

You’ll only need five simple ingredients for this Caesar-inspired pasta salad — most of which you probably already have on hand. It’s the perfect mix of convenience and flavor.

• Mini Farfalle Pasta – These little bowties hold the creamy Caesar dressing beautifully, giving every bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Any short pasta shape will work in a pinch — think rotini or penne.

• Caesar Salad Kit – The ultimate shortcut! It includes the greens, dressing, croutons, and Parmesan — everything you need to build a classic Caesar base with almost no prep.

• Sliced Salami – Adds savory, salty richness that makes this salad feel hearty and satisfying. Use a good-quality Italian salami for the best flavor.

• Pepperoncini Peppers – Bright, tangy, and just a touch spicy, these bring a pop of contrast that cuts through the creamy dressing.

• Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a mild bite and beautiful color — it ties everything together and gives the salad a little extra crunch.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up? This recipe is incredibly adaptable — here are a few ways to change the flavor profile or use what you already have.

Substitutions - Simple Swaps

• Pasta: Any small shape will do — rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni.

• Protein: Swap the salami for grilled chicken, diced turkey, pepperoni, or even chickpeas for a lighter, meat-free version.

• Cheese: Add a sprinkle of fresh shaved Parmesan or even a touch of feta for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations

1: Chicken Caesar Twist

Add grilled chicken (or rotisserie chicken) in place of the salami and toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness. It’s fresh, filling, and meal-prep friendly.

2: Italian Deli Style

Use an Italian-style salad kit instead of Caesar and add a handful of olives or roasted red peppers. The flavors are bolder and perfect for a picnic or make-ahead lunch.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Chill the pasta – Rinse your cooked pasta in cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and keep it from getting too soft.

• Toss just before serving – Mixing the dressing and toppings right before serving keeps the greens crisp and the textures balanced.

• Make it ahead – You can prep the pasta, chop the onion, and slice the salami earlier in the day. Wait to add the dressing and toppings until ready to eat for the best texture.

• Garnish Twist – Take the croutons from the salad kit and crush them up and mix them with the Parmesan cheese from the kit.  Sprinkle that on top of your pasta salad before serving.

• Upgrade the kit – Salad kits are an amazing shortcut, but don’t be afraid to enhance them — a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up.

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