Kale Pasta Salad

When it comes to vibrant and wholesome dishes, Kale Pasta Salad holds a special place in my heart. Picture a warm summer afternoon spent outdoors, the sun shining, and the smell of fresh ingredients wafting through the air. That’s when I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe. I was looking for something that was not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients and flavor. The combination of colorful ingredients in Kale Pasta Salad creates a stunning presentation that’s perfect for a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of joyful, seasonal produce. Adding fresh ingredients to pasta offers a unique twist that really excites the palate. It became a staple in my kitchen, often made when friends come over to unwind and share laughter over a delicious meal.

Main Ingredients for Kale Pasta Salad

The ingredients in Kale Pasta Salad are what make this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role, working together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini serves as the hearty base, offering a satisfying texture while allowing the other ingredients to shine. Kale adds a robust, earthy flavor and is rich in vitamins. The cherry tomatoes enhance the dish with a hint of sweetness, while black olives provide a savory, briny contrast. Finally, a dash of Feta cheese brings a creamy finish that ties everything together beautifully.

• 8 oz. Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini: This curly pasta is a great choice for absorbing flavors, providing a satisfying bite while keeping the meal light.
• 1 tsp. salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta cooking water, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• 8 oz. kale leaves: Coarsely chopped, these vibrant greens are rich in nutrients and add a lovely texture to the salad.
• 1 T olive oil: Used for stir-frying the kale, it helps in achieving a tender and flavorful green.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Cut in half, these sweet bites add color and freshness to the salad.
• One 6 oz. can black olives: Drained and cut in half, they introduce a savory depth to the dish.
• 1/4 cup crumbled Feta: This creamy cheese brings richness and a delightful tang to the salad.

Kale Pasta Salad Instructions

Making Kale Pasta Salad is a straightforward process that yields amazing results. You’ll find that this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is crucial for cooking the Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini, as it needs to be well-seasoned. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and stir it to ensure it doesn’t stick together. Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook until the pasta is al dente, checking around 12 to 15 minutes depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
2. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and let it sit to drain thoroughly. You want it to be well-drained to avoid a watery salad later.
3. While the pasta is cooking, chop up the kale leaves, removing any large inner ribs. If needed, give the kale a good wash and spin it dry. This will help ensure your salad stays crisp.
4. In a large non-stick frying pan with high sides, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped kale all at once and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. You want the kale to wilt and become tender but still retain a little chew. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool a bit.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together fresh-squeezed lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, and pesto. Drizzle in the remaining olive oil while whisking to create a smooth dressing. Taste and adjust with more pesto if desired.
6. When the pasta is drained but still warm, transfer it to a large bowl. Stir in about half of the dressing to coat the pasta well.
7. Let the pasta sit while you slice the cherry tomatoes in half, cut the olives, and crumble the Feta.
8. Once the pasta has cooled a bit, stir in the cooled kale, followed by the tomatoes and olives. Gently combine everything, adding more dressing as needed to achieve your desired moisture level.
9. Finally, fold in the crumbled Feta, seasoning the salad with salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste. Give it a gentle toss to incorporate all the flavors.
10. Serve immediately, or if you prefer, you can let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld. If you have leftovers, they’ll still taste great the next day!

Tips and Tricks about Kale Pasta Salad

Here are some tips to help you make the best Kale Pasta Salad possible. With a little care and attention, you can elevate this dish to a new level.

• Storage: To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to three days, though the texture may change slightly.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the kale and tomatoes may not thaw well. Enjoy it fresh!
• Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It’s also great with crusty bread.
• Serving Options: Serve it chilled or at room temperature. It makes an excellent side dish for barbecues and picnics.
• Flavor Boost: Consider adding a sprinkle of lemon zest or red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.

How to Serve Kale Pasta Salad

Serving Kale Pasta Salad can be as creative as the dish itself. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• As a Main Course: This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main dish. Pair it with a protein like grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Perfect Side Dish: Kale Pasta Salad complements various main dishes, making it an excellent choice for barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Lunch Option: Pack it for lunch; it’s easy to transport and tastes great cold. It’s an ideal quick meal for busy workdays.
• Seasonal Pairings: In spring, enjoy it with fresh herbs and asparagus. In summer, pair it with grilled veggies for a delightful meal.
• Garnish Ideas: Top with additional Feta or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of flavor and color.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Kale Pasta Salad is not just another salad; it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. With its vibrant ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I encourage you to give it a try and see how it can brighten up your table. Whether for a picnic, potluck, or simple dinner, this salad is sure to impress!

Kale Pasta Salad

The ultimate comfort food, Kale Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Packed with earthy kale, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy Feta, this easy weeknight dinner is a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Make it tonight and enjoy a wholesome meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz. Fiber Gourmet Light Rotini
• 1 tsp. salt
• 8 oz. kale leaves
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 can black olives
• 1/4 cup Feta

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, stir, and reduce heat to a low boil. Cook until pasta is al dente, probably about 15 minutes for Fiber Gourmet pasta, but start checking after about 12 minutes. Drain pasta into a colander and let it drain well.
• While the pasta cooks, chop up the kale leaves (cutting away the inner ribs if they’re large) and wash the kale in a salad spinner if needed.
• Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan, add the kale all at once, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the kale has wilted and is starting to get tender. Turn off the pan and let the kale cool.
• Mix together the fresh-squeezed lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, and pesto, then whisk in the olive oil to make the dressing.
• When the pasta has drained well but is still warm, transfer it to a bowl and stir in about half the dressing.
• Let the pasta sit while you cut cherry tomatoes and olives and crumble the Feta.
• Stir the cooled kale into the bowl with the pasta.
• Add the tomatoes and olives and gently combine; then add more dressing as desired. If you don’t use all the dressing, save it for drizzling over tomatoes or to perk up any leftover salad.
• Gently stir in the crumbled Feta, season to taste with salt and fresh-ground black pepper, and serve.
• If you don't like to refrigerate salads with tomatoes, this salad still tastes quite good the second day.

Notes

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the kale and tomatoes may not thaw well.
• Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish.
• Serving Options: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Keyword Easy Pasta Recipe, Healthy Salad, Kale Salad, Pasta Salad

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.