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–+ servings

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh twist on classic Caesar dressing combined with hearty pasta and robust kale, perfectly finished with crunchy roasted chickpeas, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces fusilli or penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta) Swap rotini or ziti if you don’t have fusilli.
  • 4 cups packed kale leaves, stems removed and chopped For a lighter dish, use Greek yogurt–based Caesar or reduce dressing to 1/3 cup.
  • 1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and patted dry Use canned chickpeas for convenience; air-fryer roasted chickpeas are a fast alternative.
  • 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for massaging kale and roasting)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh preferred)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Cooking and Preparation
  1. Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  2. Rinse kale, remove stems, and roughly chop. In a bowl, combine kale with olive oil and lemon juice. Massage for 1–2 minutes until leaves soften.
  3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add dried chickpeas and toss for about 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Season with salt.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, massaged kale, crispy chickpeas, and creamy Caesar dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
  5. If using, stir in Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 18gFat: 18g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. It's best to keep dressing slightly separate if planning to store longer to maintain chickpea crunch. Reheating should be brief to preserve texture.

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