Name: Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz fusilli pasta; 2 cups kale, chopped; 1/2 cup Caesar dressing; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; 1/4 cup croutons

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Why Make This Recipe

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad. This recipe combines the hearty texture of fusilli pasta with the nutritious benefits of kale. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. The creamy Caesar dressing adds rich flavor while the croutons give a satisfying crunch. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed chilled, making it a great addition for warm days.

How to Make Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

12 oz fusilli pasta
2 cups kale, chopped
1/2 cup Caesar dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup croutons

Directions:

Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and let it cool.
In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with chopped kale, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan until everything is well coated.
Top the salad with croutons to add that perfect crunch.
Serve the pasta salad chilled for the best flavor.

How to Serve Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is versatile and can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as a side with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, add some additional protein like shrimp or chickpeas. Make sure to serve it chilled for a refreshing taste.

How to Store Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

To store Kale Caesar Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. Just be aware that the croutons might get soggy after a day or so, so it’s best to add them just before serving if you want them to stay crunchy.

Tips to Make Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and to cool it down quickly.
You can adjust the amount of Caesar dressing according to your taste. More dressing means a creamier salad.
For added flavor, consider adding extra toppings like cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, or even cooked bacon bits.

Variation

Feel free to customize this salad to your liking. You can swap the fusilli pasta with your favorite type of pasta. You could also mix in other greens like spinach or arugula for a different flavor. If you want a vegan version, use a plant-based Caesar dressing and leave out the cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh kale instead of pre-packaged?
Yes, fresh kale works great! Just make sure to chop it well and massage it a bit to soften its texture.

2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fusilli to make this dish gluten-free.

3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This kale Caesar pasta salad is great for meal prep. Just store it in portions, but add the croutons right before eating to keep them crunchy.

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A fresh twist on classic Caesar salad featuring fusilli pasta and nutritious kale, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Instructions

Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and let it cool.
In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with chopped kale, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan until everything is well coated.
Top the salad with croutons to add that perfect crunch.
Serve the pasta salad chilled for the best flavor.