Looking for a delicious and healthy twist on a classic Caesar salad? This Kale Pasta Caesar Salad is just what you need! Combining the hearty texture of kale with the satisfying bite of rotini pasta, this salad is elevated by a creamy tahini dressing and crispy chickpea croutons.
Perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish, or even a light dinner, this recipe is both easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a vegan, looking for gluten-free options, or simply trying to eat more greens, this salad has something for everyone. Let’s dive into this wholesome and flavorful dish!
On Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rotini Pasta Noodles: You can use any pasta of your choice like penne, fusilli, or bow-tie if rotini is not available. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta noodles.
- Kale: The star of the salad, kale provides a robust texture and a slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the creamy dressing. If kale is not available, you can substitute with other hearty greens like Swiss chard or spinach.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Lemon Juice: Used to massage the kale, these ingredients help soften the leaves and reduce bitterness. Either option works well.
- Tahini: A key ingredient in the dressing, tahini adds creaminess. If you don’t have tahini, you can use almond butter or cashew butter as a substitute.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dressing. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and brightness to the dressing. Bottled lemon juice can be used if fresh lemons are not available.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can be used as alternatives.
- Capers and Caper Brine: These add a salty, tangy flavor that mimics anchovies in traditional Caesar dressing. If you don’t have capers, you can use finely chopped green olives or a splash of vinegar.
- Chickpeas: Used to make the “croutons,” chickpeas add protein and crunch. If you prefer, you can use pre-roasted chickpeas or other legumes like lentils.
- Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: These spices add flavor to the chickpeas. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste or use other spices like cumin or paprika.
- Smoked Paprika and Hot Chili Powder: Optional for adding a smoky and spicy kick to the chickpeas.
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast: These toppings add a cheesy flavor. If you prefer a non-vegan option, regular Parmesan cheese can be used.
- Bread Croutons: Optional for extra crunch. Use gluten-free croutons if needed.
Helpful Tools to Make This Recipe
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the salad.
- Mason Jar or Blender: For making the dressing.
- Skillet: For cooking the chickpeas.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the kale and other ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure out ingredients accurately.
How to Make This Kale Pasta Caesar Salad Recipe
- Pasta
- Start by cooking the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water.
- Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Dressing
- Add all dressing ingredients into a mason jar. Put on the lid and shake until ingredients are well combined.
- If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tbsp at a time to adjust the consistency. (Use a blender instead of shaking or whisking the dressing if desired) Set aside in the fridge.
- Chickpea Croutons
- Add the chickpeas to a pan on medium heat with olive oil. Cook until they are lightly browned and crisp. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked, reduce heat and add garlic powder, salt to taste, and Italian seasoning. Mix them up and set aside.
- Salad Prep
- Wash kale, remove the stems, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale for a minute or two with a little olive oil or lemon juice to remove the bitterness. (Or you can do what I do and just massage the Caesar dressing into the kale)
- Add the kale to a large mixing bowl with the cooked pasta noodles and pour on the vegan Caesar dressing.
- Toss the salad and top with your chickpea “croutons,” bread croutons, and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!
NOTES
- Chickpea Croutons: These don’t store well, so it’s best to make them fresh. To save time, you can use a bag of pre-roasted crispy garlic chickpeas.
- Enhancing Caesar Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of capers and 1/2 teaspoon of caper brine to give the dressing a more authentic Caesar flavor. Capers are a fantastic vegan substitute for anchovy paste.
- Cheesy Toppings: Vegan parmesan cheese tastes wonderful in this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, nutritional yeast is an excellent substitute.
- Gluten-Free: To make this pasta salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta noodles. Be very careful not to overcook the noodles as the gluten-free ones can be more delicate when overcooked.
Tips & Tricks For This Kale Pasta Caesar Salad
- Massaging Kale: Massaging kale with olive oil or lemon juice helps to soften the leaves and reduce their bitterness. This step can make a significant difference in the overall taste and texture of the salad.
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. You can also use a blender to ensure the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Crispy Chickpeas: For extra crispy chickpeas, make sure they are well-drained and patted dry before cooking. Cooking them over medium heat and stirring occasionally will help them brown evenly.
- Storage: While the salad can be stored in the fridge for a day, it’s best to keep the chickpeas separate until serving to maintain their crunch.
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of green instead of kale?
Absolutely! You can substitute kale with other hearty greens like Swiss chard or spinach.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta noodles and ensure that any croutons used are also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of tahini in the dressing?
Almond butter or cashew butter can be used as substitutes for tahini. But this will change the flavour.
Kale Pasta Caesar Salad
This Kale Pasta Caesar Salad combines hearty kale, al dente rotini pasta, and crispy chickpea croutons with a creamy tahini dressing, creating a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients
- ½ box rotini pasta noodles (about 8oz or 200 grams)
Kale Salad
- 1 bunch Kale (about 5 cups, chopped)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or lemon juice for massaging
Dressing
- ¼ cup Tahini
- 1-2 cloves Minced Garlic
- 2-3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (juice of ½ a large lemon)
- ½ tsp Dijon Mustard
- Cold Water to adjust the consistency
- 1 tsp capers, finely chopped into a paste
- 1 tsp caper brine
- Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste
Chickpea "Croutons"
- ½ can Chickpeas, rinsed and drained (to make this more filling, use the whole 19oz can)
- 1-2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- a dash of smoked paprika and hot chili powder (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- Bread Croutons
Instructions
Pasta
- Start by cooking the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water.
- Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Dressing
- Add all dressing ingredients into a mason jar. Put on the lid and shake until ingredients are well combined.
- If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tbsp at a time to adjust the consistency. (use a blender instead of shaking or whisking the dressing if desired) Set aside in the fridge.
Chickpea Croutons
- Add the chickpeas to a pan on medium heat with olive oil. Cook until they are lightly browned and crisp. This should take about 5-6 mins.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked reduce heat and add, garlic powder, salt to taste, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning. Mix them up and set aside.
Salad Prep
- Wash kale, remove the stems and chop into bite sized pieces. Massage the kale for a minute or two with a little olive oil or lemon juice to remove the bitterness. (Or you can do what I do and just massage the caesar dressing into the kale)
- Add the kale to a large mixing bowl with the cooked pasta noodles and pour on the vegan Caesar dressing.
- Toss the salad and top with your chickpea "croutons", bread croutons, and sprinkle with vegan Parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Chickpea Croutons: These don’t store well, so it’s best to make them fresh. To save time, you can use a bag of pre-roasted crispy garlic chickpeas.
- Enhancing Caesar Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of capers and 1/2 teaspoon of caper brine to give the dressing a more authentic Caesar flavor. Capers are a fantastic vegan substitute for anchovy paste.
- Cheesy Toppings: Vegan parmesan cheese tastes wonderful in this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, nutritional yeast is an excellent substitute.
- Gluten Free: To make this pasta salad gluten free, simple use a gluten free pasta noodle. Be very careful not to overcook the noodles as the gluten free ones can be more delicate when overcooked.
Nutrition
Serving: 350g | Calories: 475kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 450mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 75mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Conclusion: Kale Pasta Caesar Salad
This Kale Pasta Caesar Salad is a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic Caesar salad. With its creamy tahini dressing, crispy chickpea croutons, and hearty kale, it’s a satisfying and healthy meal that’s easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a side dish for dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures with every bite!
This salad was fantastic! I absolutely love the crispy chickpeas on top and probably one of the best creamy vegan Caesar recipes I have made. I’m surprised it doesn’t have thousands of reviews already. If not it will soon! 😍
oh my goodness THANK YOU!! This means so much to me! It’s one of our fave dairy free salads too 🙂