Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a great vegetarian pasta salad packed with kale, avocado and a simple homemade Caesar dressing.
I think I can official say it…..summer is here! Our last day of school was yesterday, which I made through with minimal tears, and we are ready for some down time.
I have nothing on the agenda for the next few weeks other than the pool and some R&R.
When it comes to cooking, I tend to keep things cool in the kitchen. Salads, and I’m not talking a dinky side salad, are the perfect summer food!
Between the whole grain pasta, high fiber kale and satiating high fat avocado, this one was really filling! Plus, it gets bonus points for being great for leftovers.
Since there is not meat in it, this salad will last for a good 4-5 days in the fridge. Hello meal prep!
This recipe only uses 6 ounces of pasta, about half of a small box, which balances out the vegetable to carb ratio.
This pasta salad has a simple (anchovy-free) Caesar dressing made from pantry staples. The Parmesan cheese holds up well to the kale.
And to kick off summer, I’d love to hear what you are up to! Do you have any fun plans? The Big Island, Hawaii awaits us, as long as mother nature can cooperate.
And off topic, if you are looking for any help with nutrition, meal plans, weight loss, etc., please leave me a message via the contact form or any of my social media channels. I’d love to hear from you and see what you need!
Stay cool, friends.
[Tweet “Kale Caesar Pasta Salad- gluten free + vegetarian= the perfect meal prep! “]
XOXO
- 6 ounces pasta of choice (penne or rotini work well), gluten free if needed
- 6 cups chopped kale
- ¾ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 avocado, diced
- For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup grated quality parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cloves garlic, grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cook pasta according to the directions. When it's done, set aside to cool (place in refrigerator if needed to speed up the process).
- Meanwhile make dressing (this can be done a day or two in advance): whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine kale, tomatoes, avocado and pasta. Toss with dressing. Season with a pinch or two of salt. Enjoy or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Roasted Tomato Salsa
Honey Peanut Chicken Satay
Easy Vegetable Soup
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet
That sounds wonderful ! I’ve discovered that I really like my kale with pasta and with Caesar flavors , must be even better! Can’t wait to try it and nice to have in on hand for a few days and stay out of kitchen a little ! Thanks for another inspiring idea- I needed it!
So excited to make homemade Caesar salad dressing!
The avocado is a great addition to this Caesar pasta salad. The combination is simply amazing. It is a must-try for everyone. Thank you for sharing the recipe.