Description
This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a creamy and hearty twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining tender gluten-free rotini pasta, massaged kale, crispy oven-roasted chickpeas, and a tangy homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Base
- 8 ounces gluten free pasta
- 5 cups de-stemmed and chopped kale
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Caesar Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry with a towel and remove any loose skins to ensure crispiness.
- Season and Roast Chickpeas: Toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remember to shake the pan halfway through baking for even roasting.
- Prepare the Kale: Remove the stems from the kale and chop the leaves into small pieces. Rinse the kale and massage it gently for 1–2 minutes to soften the leaves. Pat dry with a towel and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, grated parmesan, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled pasta, crispy roasted chickpeas, and additional grated parmesan to the bowl with the kale. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the best texture or chill it before serving. For best results, store chickpeas separately and add them just before serving.
Notes
- For optimal texture, store roasted chickpeas separately and add them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- The pasta may absorb some dressing as it sits; refresh the salad with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken to the salad.
- Chop the kale finely to improve the salad’s texture and make it easier to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: American
