Kale Caesar Pasta Salad with Chicken
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is tossed with creamy Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan, chicken, and crispy toasted breadcrumbs for the perfect mix of texture and flavor.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces pasta chickpea preferred for extra fiber + protein
- 4 to 5 cups kale chopped
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese shaved
Caesar Dressing
- 2/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove microplanned
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
Toasted breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large lemon zested (or 2 small lemons)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Add chopped kale to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Massage for 1-2 minutes with clean hands until kale is tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all Caesar dressing ingredients. Add the milk last, adding slowly until dressing is thick, but pourable.
- Next, make toasted breadcrumbs. Heat butter or oil in a small skillet over low-medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garlic powder, and salt and stir gently until breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the kale in the large bowl. Toss gently until everything is thoroughly coated in dressing. Add shaved parmesan last and toss gently until incorporated.
- Finally, top pasta salad with toasted breadcrumbs and enjoy. Add additional parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Don't skip massaging the kale or the leaves will be too tough.
- Let the pasta cool slightly before mixing the salad.
- If making ahead, store the breadcrumbs separately and sprinkle them on just before serving.
- Optional: Anchovy paste adds a more traditional Caesar flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 631mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1598IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 356mg | Iron: 2mg
