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Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

A vibrant salad combining crunchy kale, savory pasta, and rich Caesar dressing for a delightful meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 1 bunch kale, chopped
  • 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup croutons
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Preparing the Kale
  1. While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Place it into a large mixing bowl.
  2. To soften the kale, drizzle a little olive oil over it, then massage the leaves gently with your hands for about 2-3 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the cooked pasta, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl with kale. Mix everything well, ensuring the pasta and kale are evenly coated.
  2. Taste your salad, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Final Touches
  1. Just before serving, fold in the croutons for that delightful crunch.
  2. If desired, serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing zing.

Notes

Kale substitutes include spinach or arugula. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crispy. If the dressing is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water.