Description
This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad combines the best of Caesar salad and pasta salad into one delicious, hearty dish. Featuring tender pasta, massaged kale, fresh Parmesan, and a creamy Caesar dressing, it’s a refreshing yet satisfying meal perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner. Serve it as a standalone meal or a side dish, and enjoy the bold, garlicky flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie)
- 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons, homemade or store-bought
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, for classic Caesar flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
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Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prep the Kale
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Remove the tough stems and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
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Drizzle with a little olive oil and massage for 1-2 minutes until softened.
3. Make the Dressing
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In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, Parmesan, anchovy paste, salt, and black pepper.
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Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) for extra creaminess.
4. Assemble the Salad
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In a large bowl, toss together pasta, kale, and dressing until well coated.
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Add grated Parmesan and mix gently.
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Top with croutons just before serving.
Notes
- Massage the kale – This makes it tender and less bitter.
- Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt into the dressing as well.
- Chill before serving – Letting it sit for 20-30 minutes enhances the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g