Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad combines nutrient-packed kale with creamy Caesar dressing and tender pasta for a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful meal. This vibrant salad is quick to prepare, versatile for lunches, side dishes, or potlucks, and customizable to suit various dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking or boiling (pasta cooked separately)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free pasta and croutons)
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
- 8 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Caesar Dressing Ingredients
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook your chosen short pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
- Massage the Kale: Remove kale leaves from stems and chop into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil until the leaves soften and bitterness mellows.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together minced fresh garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta, massaged kale, croutons, and Caesar dressing, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat all components.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with extra grated Parmesan, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and freshly cracked black pepper before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Massage the kale thoroughly to reduce bitterness and improve texture.
- Cool the pasta completely by rinsing with cold water to prevent sogginess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and better melting.
- Customize the dressing by adjusting lemon and garlic to your taste preferences.
- You may omit anchovy paste for a milder taste without losing umami flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Kale Caesar Pasta Salad, healthy pasta salad, kale salad, Caesar dressing, easy lunch recipe, gluten-free pasta salad
Find it online: https://marycorner.com/kale-caesar-pasta-salad/