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4.9 from 57 votes

BIG Kale Pasta Salad

This Big Kale Pasta Salad is the perfect fast and filling summer lunch, packed with flavors, textures, and colors. Great for meal prep!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 2 cups each
Calories: 355 kcal
Course: Salad , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup olive oil $0.85
  • 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar $0.42
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise $0.15
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.09
  • 1 clove garlic, minced $0.08
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
Salad
  • 8 oz. penne pasta $0.67
  • 8 oz. chopped kale* $1.50
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes $2.00
  • 1/2 red onion $0.22
  • 1 oz. can chickpeas $1.09
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan $0.72

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Make the vinaigrette first. Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, Dijon, minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Set the dressing aside.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and boil until tender (7-8 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander and allow it to cool.
  3. Add the kale to a large bowl. Drizzle ⅓ of the prepared balsamic dressing over the kale and then use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale. Massage the kale for 3-5 minutes, or until it has wilted to half its volume.
  4. Slice the grape tomatoes in half, thinly slice the red onion, and rinse and drain the chickpeas.
  5. Add the drained and cooled pasta to the bowl with the kale, along with the tomatoes, onions, chickpeas, and Parmesan.
  6. Pour the rest of the dressing over top, then stir the salad until everything is evenly combined and coated in dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste, then serve.

Notes

  • *If not using pre-chopped kale, simply remove the stems and tear or chop the kale into small pieces. Rinse and drain the kale well before using it in the salad.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2cups Calories 355kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 37g (12%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 19g (29%) Sodium 316mg (13%) Fiber 4g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 62 cups each

Amount Per Serving

Calories 355

% Daily Value*

Serving 2cups
Calories 355kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 19g 29%
Sodium 316mg 13%
Fiber 4g 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.