Description
This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad combines the hearty texture of pasta with nutritious kale and crispy smoked chickpeas, all tossed in a creamy, tangy tahini-based Caesar dressing. It offers a flavorful, protein-packed twist on the classic Caesar salad, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Crispy Smoked Chickpeas
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Caesar Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 4 tbsp water
Main Salad
- 8 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions (Fusilli Bucati Corti recommended)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
- 5 cups shredded kale
Instructions
- Prepare Crispy Smoked Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Place them between two paper towels and roll to remove as much moisture as possible, discarding any skins that come off to help achieve crispiness. Toss the chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt until evenly coated. Spread them evenly on a baking pan and bake for 30-40 minutes until crisp, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a blender, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons tahini, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 4 tablespoons water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook 8 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 5 cups of shredded kale, the crispy smoked chickpeas, and 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (omit if vegan). Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Kale Caesar Pasta Salad packed with flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or extra nutritional yeast.
- Ensure chickpeas are dried well before baking to achieve maximum crispiness.
- You can use any pasta shape, but fusilli or similar varieties hold dressing well.
- Adjust seasoning in the dressing to taste, adding more salt, lemon, or mustard if desired.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Kale Caesar Salad, Pasta Salad, Chickpeas, Healthy Salad, Vegetarian Salad, Tahini Dressing, Roasted Chickpeas
