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Kale Pasta Caesar Salad

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Kale Pasta Caesar Salad is a hearty, fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad. Featuring tender pasta, nutrient-packed kale, and a creamy Caesar dressing, this dish is both satisfying and vibrant. It’s topped with crispy croutons and parmesan for the perfect balance of crunch and richness.

Ingredients

  • Kale: 4 cups, chopped – the hearty base of the salad, providing a satisfying texture and plenty of nutrients.
  • Pasta: 8 ounces (penne, fusilli, or rotini) – adds a bit of heartiness to the dish while pairing perfectly with the creamy dressing.
  • Croutons: 1 cup – the crunchy element that adds texture and flavor contrast.
  • Caesar Dressing: 1/2 cup – the creamy, tangy dressing that brings everything together.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated – adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the salad.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – used in the dressing for smoothness and richness.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – enhances the depth of the dressing with its aromatic flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons – brightens up the dressing and balances the richness.
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon – adds a little tang and smoothness to the dressing.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon – for a little savory umami in the dressing.
  • Salt and Pepper: to taste – to season the dressing and balance all the flavors.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a pot of salted water. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Combine Ingredients: While the pasta is cooling, wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt to soften it.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: If you’re making homemade croutons, preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut day-old bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
  4. Assemble the Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the kale, pasta, and croutons.
  5. Cook to Perfection: For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Finishing Touches: Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Top with extra parmesan and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, top your salad with a sprinkle of cheese and place it under the broiler for a minute or two until it’s bubbly.
  • If you want to make this a low-carb version, you can substitute the pasta with extra vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

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