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Kale Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.3 from 7 reviews

This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad. Packed with nutrient-rich kale, chickpeas, fresh cucumbers, and tangy capers, it's tossed with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing and creamy Caesar dressing. Finished with shaved Parmesan and crunchy herb garlic croutons, this salad is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or a light main dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it offers a delicious, veggie-loaded option that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings

Ingredients

Salad Base

  • 8 oz. pasta, cooked according to package directions until al dente
  • 4–5 cups chopped fresh kale
  • 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 3.5 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 5 oz. shaved Parmesan cheese (reserve some for garnish)

Dressing & Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil + more for drizzling pasta
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup Caesar dressing
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh cracked pepper

Toppings

  • 2 cups homemade herb and garlic croutons

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, toss the pasta with olive oil and season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing.
  2. Prepare Kale: Place the chopped kale in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the lemon juice. Season with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Massage the kale thoroughly for a few minutes until it wilts and brightens to a vibrant green color.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, rinsed chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, drained capers, and shaved Parmesan cheese (reserving some for garnish if desired) into the kale bowl.
  4. Add Dressing: Pour the Caesar dressing over the mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly with dressing.
  5. Add Croutons: If serving immediately, fold in the crunchy herb and garlic croutons now. If serving later, keep the croutons separate and add them just before serving along with an extra drizzle of Caesar dressing to maintain their crispness.
  6. Serve: Toss gently to combine all ingredients, garnish with the reserved Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper. Enjoy this colorful, flavorful kale Caesar pasta salad fresh!

Notes

  • For best texture, add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.
  • Massage the kale to help soften it and enhance its flavor.
  • You can substitute Caesar dressing with a vegan version for a vegan option, but this recipe is vegetarian as is.
  • Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
  • Homemade herb and garlic croutons elevate the texture but store-bought ones can be used for convenience.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/kale-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/