Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

When you can’t decide between green salad and pasta salad, kale Caesar pasta salad has you covered. It has the best of both worlds—al dente pasta plus curly kale, Caesar dressing, Parmesan flakes and coarsely ground black pepper—to make this a potluck-worthy recipe. A topping of crispy cannellini beans adds an additional layer of texture and flavor.

Serve this flavorful pasta salad alongside your favorite barbecue recipes at your next backyard barbecue, or serve it alongside winter favorites like baked pork chops or roast chicken. Leftovers of this Caesar salad-inspired recipe are perfect for a quick and easy lunch, too.

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad Ingredients

For the crispy cannellini beans:

• Cannellini beans: You’ll need one 15.5-ounce can of cannellini beans for this recipe. After draining and rinsing the beans, set them out on a towel and lightly pat dry with another clean towel. The drier you can get the beans, the faster they will crisp in the oven.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is used to flavor and adhere the seasonings to the beans.
• Herbs and seasonings: The beans are seasoned with fresh thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt and pepper.

For the pasta salad:

• Penne ritorte: Penne ritorte is a short, cylindrical pasta with angled ends. You can also use another short-cut pasta shape such as farfalle, cavatappi or fusilli.
• Kale: You’ll need one small bunch of green kale for this recipe. Don’t skip massaging the torn kale with olive oil and lemon juice; it helps tenderize the tough leafy green. And if you end up with extra kale, try one of these other flavorful kale recipes.
• Lemon juice and lemon zest: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Zest the lemon before juicing it; a rasp grater (aka a Microplane) makes simple work of this task.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to massage the kale.
• Salt: A bit of salt enhances the flavors in this pasta salad.
• Caesar dressing: Use your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing. If you have the time, you can always make Caesar dressing from scratch.
• Parmesan flakes: Use a vegetable peeler to make the delicate Parmesan shavings that garnish the salad.
• Black pepper: What’s a Caesar salad without coarsely ground black pepper on top? Our Test Kitchen recommends these pepper grinders for the best experience.

Directions

Step 1: Make the crispy cannellini beans

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the beans, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Toss to coat the beans in the seasonings. Spread the beans into an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast the seasoned beans for 10 minutes, then stir them with a spatula. Roast them for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until they’re crispy. Remove the beans from the baking sheet and place them in an even layer on a plate to cool.

Step 2: Boil the pasta

Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the water, then spread the pasta in a single layer on a large platter or baking sheet to cool.

Step 3: Massage the kale

While the pasta cools, add the torn kale to a shallow bowl. Drizzle it with the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt. Massage the kale for two minutes.

Step 4: Combine all the ingredients

Add the cooled pasta to the kale along with the Caesar dressing, and stir to combine them. Add the Parmesan flakes and crispy cannellini beans. Season the pasta salad with coarsely ground black pepper.

Serve it immediately, or cover it and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad Variations

• Try other toppers: Instead of crispy cannellini beans, top the salad with roasted chickpeas or a generous sprinkle of seasoned bread crumbs.
• Add protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or flaked salmon for an extra boost of protein.
• Vary the veggies: Add more veggies to the mix! Sliced red, green or orange bell pepper, cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers would all be wonderful additions.

How to Store Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Leftover kale Caesar pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does kale Caesar pasta salad last?

Kale Caesar pasta salad lasts up to four days when stored properly in the fridge.

Kale Caesar Pasta Salad Tips

Can you use another type of lettuce or green for Caesar pasta salad?

Instead of kale, you could make this Caesar pasta salad with chopped romaine, mixed greens or baby spinach.

What else can you serve with kale Caesar pasta salad?

To turn this kale Caesar pasta salad into an entree, top it with grilled chicken or grilled salmon. It also makes a hearty side to go along with summertime favorites such as grilled burgers or pork chops. Leftovers are perfect as an easy light lunch.