Description
A creamy, garlicky Caesar salad gets a hearty makeover with the addition of tender pasta and fresh kale. This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a perfect side dish or light meal, combining all the flavors you love in a Caesar salad with a boost of nutrients and extra substance.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups Kale (torn into bite-sized pieces)
- 8 oz Pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 cup Homemade croutons (or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or grated)
- 1/3 cup Caesar dressing (either homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool slightly. Optionally, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prep the Kale: Wash, chop, and remove stems from kale. Massage with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 1-2 minutes to soften the leaves.
- Make Homemade Croutons: (Optional) Cube stale bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Make Caesar Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Caesar dressing. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, massaged kale, croutons, and Parmesan. Toss with Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Massaging the kale is crucial to soften its texture and make it more palatable.
- Use penne, fusilli, or rotini pasta to help hold the dressing and toppings well.
- To make this salad vegan, skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free Caesar dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 12mg