Name: Kale Pasta Caesar Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Salad: 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie); 4 cups chopped kale (de-stemmed); ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional); ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup croutons; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil

Description

This Kale Pasta Caesar Salad is a hearty twist on the classic Caesar, combining tender pasta, crisp kale, and a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch, light dinner, or a flavorful side dish! A healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe with a burst of flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 4 cups chopped kale (de-stemmed)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup croutons
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Caesar Dressing:
1. ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2. ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3. 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
4. 2 tbsp lemon juice
5. 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
6. 1 garlic clove, minced
7. ½ tsp salt
8. ½ tsp black pepper
9. 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Prep the Kale:
Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and massage for 1-2 minutes until softened.
Make the Caesar Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad:
Add the cooked pasta, kale, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to a large bowl. Toss with Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Top with croutons and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld.

Notes

For a lighter option, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein if desired.
The salad can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days, but the croutons may soften. Add them just before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1 ½ cups)
Calories: 360 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg