Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and vibrant salad combining tender kale, perfectly cooked pasta, and classic creamy Caesar dressing. This nutritious and satisfying dish is perfect as a colorful side or wholesome main, ideal for any meal or gathering with bold flavors and crisp textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh tender curly kale, washed and chopped
- 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
- 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crunchy croutons
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Kale: Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt until it softens slightly, reducing bitterness and making it more tender.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the pasta firm. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together garlic paste, anchovy paste, fresh lemon juice, creamy Caesar dressing, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, or alternatively use your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the massaged kale. Pour in the Caesar dressing and mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Final Touches: Top the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons. Gently toss once more to distribute toppings without breaking them apart before serving.
Notes
- Massage the kale to soften its texture and reduce bitterness.
- Cool the pasta thoroughly to avoid it absorbing too much dressing or becoming mushy.
- Use fresh garlic and quality Parmesan for a deeper flavor.
- Add dressing gradually to prevent overdressing and sogginess.
- Add croutons or nuts just before serving to maintain crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Kale Caesar Pasta Salad, Healthy Pasta Salad, Caesar Salad, Kale Salad, Gluten Free Option, Vegetarian Pasta Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Summer Salad
Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/kale-caesar-pasta-salad/