Try This Refreshing Kale and Pasta Salad – Makes The Perfect Bite!

Kale and Pasta Salad Recipe

I don’t know about you, but I’m a little sick of the same old pasta salads at every picnic and BBQ I’m at. Don’t get me wrong – I’ll still eat them because any pasta salad is good pasta salad. BUT, when this recipe for Kale and Pasta salad came across my plate (😉), I had to rejoice over a new and exciting cold salad!

This recipe is so refreshing and perfectly mixes salad staples like grape tomatoes with some new friends like chickpeas. The result, topped with our homemade creamy balsamic dressing, is absolutely heavenly! Plus, these ingredients are so fresh and nutritious that you can have seconds (or even thirds!) without any guilt.

Here’s how to make this tasty dish!

MENU TIP: This Kale and Pasta Salad recipe is from our new Summer Menu Expansion Pack!

Kale Pasta Salad Ingredients

For the salad:

• Penne pasta (regular or gluten-free)
• Kale
• Grape tomatoes
• Red onion
• Chickpeas
• Parmesan cheese

For the dressing:

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Mayo
• Minced garlic
• Dried basil
• Salt & Pepper

How to Make This Salad:

Start by cooking pasta according to package directions and let it cool completely. If you’re short on time, you can always rinse the pasta with cold water in your strainer to cool it quickly!

Next, combine all the dressing ingredients and whisk to combine. I love to make a huge batch of this to keep in the fridge! To store, combine everything in a mason jar instead of a bowl and give it a good shake prior to serving each time.

Since kale can be a bit rough to chew on, you’ll want to wilt it a bit before serving. Trust me – you don’t want to skip this step! Chop your kale and place in your salad bowl. Then, drizzle about 1/3 of the dressing over top and massage the kale for a couple of minutes. It does look exactly like it sounds – give it a good rub down! The dressing helps to soften the kale, making it a much more enjoyable addition to your pasta salad.

Finally, combine all ingredients in your salad bowl and mix well. Drizzle the remaining dressing overtop and toss to coat.

Serve cold with your favorite grilled sides! I love to pair this salad with grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Print Recipe

Kale and Pasta Salad

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 426kcal

Ingredients

creamy balsamic vinaigrette

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

salad

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 8 oz kale, chopped
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

• Whisk vinaigrette ingredients until smooth and creamy; set aside.
• Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain and then let cool.
• Place kale in large bowl and drizzle ⅓ dressing over kale, then massage 3-5 minutes until wilted to half its volume.
• Add tomatoes, onions, chickpeas, pasta, and cheese to bowl and mix well.
• Drizzle remaining dressing over salad and stir. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 426kcal

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