For the crispy pasta:
250 grams short pasta (such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon salt, black pepper to taste
For the salad:
1 large head of lettuce, washed, dried and chopped
1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup croutons, ¼ red onion thinly sliced (optional)
⅓ cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the quick Caesar dressing:
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon mustard
1 small garlic clove crushed
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1-2 tablespoons water
Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation instructions:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the pasta in salted water until tender but still firm. Drain thoroughly and leave it in the colander for several minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Transfer the drained pasta to a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper until every piece is evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned pasta across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spacing is crucial here, crowding prevents crisping and leaves the pasta soft instead of crunchy.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the pasta size, until golden and crispy. Stir or flip the pasta after about 15 minutes to ensure even browning on all sides. Watch carefully during the final minutes to prevent burning.
Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic and soy sauce. Gradually add water until you achieve a pourable, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Allow the baked pasta to cool for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. It will continue to firm up and become crispier as it cools.
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, onion, croutons and Parmesan. Add the dressing and toss to coat.
Add the crispy pasta only at the last moment, toss once, and serve immediately.
Important note: Do not prepare this salad in advance. Once the pasta meets the dressing, it begins absorbing moisture and loses its crunch. If serving later, store the pasta, vegetables and dressing in three separate containers and combine just before eating.
Enjoy!
