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Kale Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 53 reviews

This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a vibrant and healthy twist on the traditional pasta salad, loaded with fresh kale, chickpeas, cucumbers, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Tossed with zesty Caesar dressing and topped with homemade herb and garlic croutons, it’s a perfect light and flavorful dish ready in just 20 minutes, ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or quick meals.

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

Ingredients

Pasta and Veggies

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

Dressing and Seasonings

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

Toppings

  • 5 oz. shaved Parmesan cheese (reserve some for garnish)
  • 2 cups homemade herb and garlic croutons

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil, then season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  2. Prepare Kale: Place chopped kale in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Massage the kale vigorously for a few minutes until it softens and turns a bright green color.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, rinsed chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, drained capers, and shaved Parmesan cheese to the bowl with kale.
  4. Add Dressing: Pour Caesar dressing over the salad and toss everything together to evenly coat all the ingredients.
  5. Add Croutons: If serving immediately, fold in the homemade herb and garlic croutons now. If serving later, wait to add croutons until just before serving to keep them crisp, along with an extra drizzle of dressing.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Toss the salad once more, garnish with reserved Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked pepper, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Massage the kale well to soften it and reduce bitterness.
  • The salad can be prepared ahead of time; add croutons just before serving to maintain crunch.
  • Use homemade croutons for best flavor and texture, or store-bought if short on time.
  • For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan and Caesar dressing with plant-based alternatives.
  • Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to your taste preference for brightness and saltiness.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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