Description
The Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish combining crisp kale, tender pasta, and classic creamy Caesar dressing. Perfectly balanced with freshness, crunch, and rich flavor, this easy-to-make salad works well as a side or main dish for any occasion, offering a healthy, satisfying meal option that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups sturdy kale leaves, tough stems removed and chopped
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, bowtie, fusilli, or farfalle), cooled
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for massaging kale) + drizzle for finishing
Caesar Dressing (Store-bought or Homemade)
- 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Homemade Caesar Dressing Ingredients (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the kale: Remove the tough stems and chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a teaspoon of olive oil or lemon juice until it softens slightly and becomes less bitter.
- Cook the pasta: Boil your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dressing: If using store-bought Caesar dressing, give it a quick whisk to combine any separated ingredients. For homemade, mix together mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the massaged kale, cooked pasta, and enough Caesar dressing to coat everything evenly without drowning the salad.
- Add finishing touches: Sprinkle croutons and freshly grated Parmesan on top, and finish with a few twists of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil to elevate the flavors.
Notes
- Massage the kale to reduce bitterness and improve texture.
- Don’t overdress the salad; start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Add croutons just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance the dish perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook (Assembly)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg