Why You’ll Love This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

This recipe takes the classic Caesar salad and kicks it up a notch by adding pasta and a vibrant twist with lacinato kale. By excluding mayo and egg yolks and introducing Worcestershire sauce and lemon zest, this salad becomes lighter and brighter—worthy of applause from any crowd. I tested this on friends recently, and the thumbs up I received was enough to share this gem!

While inspired by a recipe from Dan Pelosi, there’s a delightful freshness to this version that’s hard to resist. The crispy toasted panko replaces traditional croutons, making it ideal for summer get-togethers.

Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta: Opt for rigatoni, ziti, fusili, rotini, or penne; gluten-free varieties work beautifully too.
• Kale: Lacinato kale is the star here; grab a large bunch for maximum flavor.
• Caesar Dressing: You’ll need extra virgin olive oil, anchovies, garlic cloves, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and pecorino cheese.
• Pecorino: Shaved pecorino cheese is ideal, but grated parmesan can serve as a substitute.
• Lemons: Both zest and juice will be used for that bright, citrusy kick.
• Toasted Bread Crumbs: Gather panko, olive oil, garlic clove, and lemon zest to create a crunchy topping.
• Optional Additions: Feel free to experiment with Aleppo or Urfa Biber, diced red onion, capers, flat-leaf parsley, cherry tomatoes, or even crispy bacon.

How to Make Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until it reaches al dente according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse it with cold water. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil and set aside to chill.

2. Toast the Bread Crumbs

In a large skillet, combine olive oil, panko, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and toast over medium heat, stirring frequently. You’re looking for a crispy, golden color. Once toasted, stir in the lemon zest and remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Caesar Dressing

In a blender, combine all the ingredients for the Caesar dressing and blend until smooth. Taste it; it should have a delightful salty flavor, perfect for the pasta.

4. Prep the Kale

Tear the kale leaves from the stems and chop them into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and massage the leaves with 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil for a minute or so to tenderize them.

5. Assemble the Salad

In your large bowl, add the chilled pasta, half of the shaved pecorino, and most of the dressing. Toss everything together until well-coated. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

6. Serve

Just before serving, toss in half of the toasted panko. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper—don’t be shy! The pasta will absorb some flavor, so make sure it’s well-seasoned. Finally, garnish with the remaining panko and shaved pecorino, and if you like, a sprinkle of lemon zest and chili flakes for an extra kick.

Chef’s Tips

1. Salt the Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step! A well-salted pot of water makes a big difference in flavor.
2. Massage the Kale: Taking a minute to massage the kale not only makes it tender but also enhances its digestibility.
3. Optional Ingredients: If you’re adding red onions, capers, or parsley, throw them in during the assembly step. Cherry tomatoes should be a last-minute addition to maintain freshness.
4. Serve Chilled: The pasta salad is at its best served cold. However, it’s also fine at room temperature for a few hours.

Meal Prep & Storage

• Meal Prep: You can prepare this salad up to the assembly step a day before you plan to serve it.
• Storage: Store leftover Caesar Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious pasta salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. For added fiber and protein, toss in some chickpeas for a more filling option.

FAQs

What ingredients make up a traditional Caesar salad?

The classic Caesar salad dressing is made from olive oil, anchovies, garlic, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and pecorino cheese. Here, we swap out romaine for kale and use toasted breadcrumbs instead of croutons, and we add pasta!

What are common mistakes to avoid when making pasta salad?

Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente. Also, don’t mix all ingredients until you’re ready to serve to maintain texture. Ingredients like breadcrumbs or cherry tomatoes should be added last. Finally, don’t forget to season generously; pasta needs flavor too!

What gives Caesar salad its unique flavor?

The blend of ingredients contributes to the iconic flavor, with Worcestershire sauce adding a distinctive briny note and anchovies providing a deep umami flavor.

Can I make this pasta salad in advance?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day ahead, and it tastes even better after the flavors meld together.

How do I jazz up this salad further?

Feel free to enhance the dish with additional toppings like crispy bacon, grilled vegetables, or crumbled feta cheese for added flavor.