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Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

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A fresh and satisfying kale Caesar pasta salad with crispy smoked chickpeas, tender pasta, parmesan cheese, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Crispy Smoked Chickpeas
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the Caesar Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons water

For the Salad
8 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions (Fusilli Bucati Corti recommended)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan version)
5 cups shredded kale
Crispy smoked chickpeas
Caesar dressing

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crispy Smoked Chickpeas
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
Place chickpeas between paper towels and gently roll them to remove excess moisture.
Discard any loose skins for extra crispiness.
Transfer chickpeas to a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika and sea salt.
Toss until evenly coated.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Dressing
Add the olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, Dijon mustard, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and water to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Adjust consistency with additional water if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Cook the pasta according to package instructions and allow it to cool slightly.
Add the cooked pasta, shredded kale, crispy chickpeas, and Parmesan cheese to a large bowl.
Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad.
Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

Tips for Extra Crispy Chickpeas
Dry the chickpeas thoroughly before seasoning.
Removing loose skins helps create a crunchier texture.
Allow chickpeas to cool slightly after baking for maximum crispness.
Make It Vegan
Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with vegan Parmesan.
Ensure all ingredients used are certified vegan.

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/kale-caesar-pasta-salad/