Description
This vegan Kale Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender massaged kale and crisp romaine with al dente pasta and chickpeas, all tossed in a creamy, tangy tahini-based Caesar dressing. It’s a nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying salad perfect as a light meal or hearty side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Greens
- 4–6 oz pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 bunch lacinato kale (about 8–10 leaves)
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
Dressing
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4–1/3 cup filtered water (adjust to taste)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Vegan parmesan, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool to room temperature to avoid wilting the greens.
- Prepare the Greens: Thinly slice lacinato kale and romaine lettuce. Massage the kale with your hands for a few minutes until it softens, breaking down the tough fibers to make it tender and easier to digest.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, olive oil, filtered water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, white miso paste, and dijon mustard until fully emulsified. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with more or less water as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the massaged kale, sliced romaine, cooked pasta, and chickpeas. Pour the dressing over and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the salad by sprinkling vegan parmesan on top as a garnish. Serve immediately or chill briefly to meld flavors.
Notes
- Massaging the kale helps break down its fibers, making it more tender and easier to digest.
- Letting the pasta cool to room temperature prevents wilting the greens and keeps the salad fresh.
- Using quality ingredients like the best tahini, olive oil, and miso paste significantly enhances the flavor of the dressing.
- This recipe’s nutrition information is approximate and depends on specific ingredient brands used.
