Description
This Steak Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender beef, zesty Caesar salad, and satisfying pasta for a complete meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive potluck contributions.
Ingredients
- Sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye (cut of beef)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Onion powder (optional)
- High-smoke point oil (like avocado or canola oil)
- Rotini, fusilli, or penne (medium-sized pasta)
- Fresh garlic (for dressing)
- Dijon mustard
- Anchovy paste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Egg yolk
- Good quality olive oil
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Crispy croutons
- Romaine lettuce (finely chopped)
- Cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Red onion (optional)
- Kalamata olives (optional)
Instructions
- Take your beef cut (e.g., sirloin) out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature. Pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Season the steak generously on all sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any other desired seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of high-smoke point oil until shimmering.
- Sear the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your desired doneness. Optionally, add a pat of butter and a sprig of rosemary or thyme during the last minute of cooking.
- Remove the steak from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
- While the steak is resting, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- If making your own dressing, combine minced garlic, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and egg yolk in a bowl or blender. Whisk or blend until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking or blending until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
- Stir in a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, drained pasta, sliced steak, chopped romaine lettuce, and any other desired add-ins.
- Pour about ¾ of your Caesar dressing over the ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add a generous handful of croutons and some extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it one more gentle toss.
- Serve immediately, or chill for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Resting the steak after cooking is crucial for tenderness. Ensure pasta is cooked al dente and rinsed well to prevent mushiness. Start with less dressing than you think you'll need to avoid sogginess.