STEPH DEROSA: PESTO PASTA SALAD >>>

Price: $9.99
Rating: Three out of four croutons
 

I was having a hard time finding quality salad for less than 10 bucks that didn’t involve sliced lunchmeat. Fortunately Tacomachicakadee, my new lunchtime gal pal, steered me in the direction of Capers in downtown Tacoma. Although I hear their Caesar and house salad are surprisingly delish, it was their daily special that drew me in.

Description: Strips of tender grilled chicken prop themselves atop pesto-tossed ziti pasta and fresh spinach. Glazing the faultless leaves of spinach is a creamy balsamic dressing and pieces of delicately shaved Parmesan cheese. Best part of it all: No croutons.

Taste: Anyone could easily tell this salad is entirely homemade. It doesn’t take too close of a look to find pieces of just-cut basil inside Capers’ homemade pesto wrapped around wonderful al dente pasta. A light amount of creamy balsamic dressing barely hides itself in every bite, making me stumble as I try to guess the dressing’s ingredients. As a special treat, almost like a dessert within the meal, you can pick a piece of that shaved Parmesan I mentioned earlier and let it rest upon your tongue and melt away in your mouth.

Conclusion: This salad has all the food group elements. Or at least the food groups I care about in my lunchtime salad. There’s fresh lettuce, tender meat, robust flavor (or “flavour” for all you Canadian readers), and varying texture to stimulate my tongue. I love being able to write about these delicious salads. I get to use the word “tongue” repeatedly without anyone second guessing my perverted intentions.

Dressing on the Side
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[Capers, 701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.2240]

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