Description
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad combines the hearty texture of curly kale with tender short pasta, all tossed in a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing. This fresh and vibrant salad is packed with nutrients and flavors, offering a perfect balance of crisp greens, savory dressing, tangy lemon, and crunchy toppings. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal wholesome lunch option that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Base
- 4 cups curly kale, chopped and massaged
- 2 cups short pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup croutons or toasted bread crumbs
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Optional garnishes: cracked black pepper, crispy anchovy fillets
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the shape. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool down for the salad.
- Massage the Kale: Chop kale into bite-size pieces, remove thick stems. Massage leaves with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil until softened and darkened slightly to reduce bitterness.
- Make or Assemble the Dressing: For homemade dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan until creamy. Alternatively, measure out your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the massaged kale. Gradually add dressing, mixing until everything is evenly coated. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese and croutons or breadcrumbs for crunch.
- Final Touches and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for brightness. Serve immediately or chill to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Don’t skip massaging kale to soften leaves and reduce bitterness.
- Cool pasta completely before combining to prevent wilting kale.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing the salad.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens and balances the creaminess of the dressing.
- Store croutons separately to maintain their crunch when storing leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Kale, Caesar salad, Pasta salad, Healthy lunch, Vegetarian salad, Quick salad, Kale pasta salad