Kale Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

cooking.nytimes.com

Ingredients

  • Salt (and black pepper)

  • 1 lb. mezze rigatoni

  • 1 cup panko

  • 2 zest lemon

  • 2 cloves garlic (grated)

  • 3 tbsp. olive oil (divided)

  • 4 cup baby kale

  • 1 1/2 oz. Parmesan

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 cup Parmesan

  • 2 oz. anchovy fillets

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • juice lemon

  • 4 tsp. Dijon mustard

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (according to package instructions). Drain the pasta and spread it out on a tray or sheet pan in a single layer, allowing steam to escape and the pasta to cool faster.

  2. 2

    Place a medium skillet on your stovetop over medium heat. Add bread crumbs, lemon zest, garlic, 2 tablespoons oil and a big pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir to mix, then continue to stir until the garlic is fragrant and the bread crumbs are evenly browned, 4 to 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Make the dressing: In the bowl of a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, mustard and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Blend on low speed until smooth, about 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Finish the salad: In a large bowl, use your hands to massage kale with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until just tender. Add cooled pasta and 1 1/2 cups of the dressing and toss until well mixed.

  5. 5

    Before serving, add Parmesan shavings, half of the breadcrumbs and extra dressing as needed, and stir until just combined.