Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing

Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, I find myself yearning for dishes that feel like warm hugs and vibrant flavors combined. This Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing is truly one of those comforting recipes. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients coming together to create something magical. With its creamy dressing, tender pasta, and bright bursts of sun-dried tomatoes, it’s the perfect dish for an easy weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch to share with friends.

This salad transports me back to sun-soaked Mediterranean shores, where meals are leisurely enjoyed with laughter and love. Imagine dining al fresco with loved ones, a gentle breeze ruffling the tablecloth as you share a bowl of this delightful salad. With every bite, you’ll find pleasure in how every component—creamy feta, aromatic basil, and vibrant kale—plays a role in this symphony of flavors. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this salad is ready in under 30 minutes.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with kale, fresh basil, and tomatoes, this dish is both delicious and healthy.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A fantastic addition to gatherings or potlucks that both adults and kids will adore.
• Flavorful and Fresh: Bright Mediterranean flavors combined with creamy textures—every forkful is a delight!
• Make-Ahead Wonder: Flavor develops beautifully when the salad sits in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

What You’ll Need

Gathering fresh ingredients adds to the joy of cooking. For this Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing, you’ll need:

• 1 cup pasta
• 2 cups kale (roughly chopped)
• 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes
• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (stems removed)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2-2 tsp white wine vinegar
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Let’s Make It Together

Ready to bring this beautiful salad to life? Follow these simple steps:

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Once done, drain and allow to cool slightly before mixing into the salad.

2. Make Dressing: In a food processor or blender, add all dressing ingredients: fresh basil, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to use it.

3. Mix Salad: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle a touch of olive oil over the roughly chopped kale. Gently massage the leaves with your fingers for 1-2 minutes to tenderize them. Add the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and shredded parmesan to the bowl.

4. Dress It Up: Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss everything together until it’s beautifully combined.

5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a truly delicious experience when you take that first bite.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad stands beautifully on its own, here are a few creative twists to make it your own:

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal that’s both zesty and satisfying.
• Use Different Greens: Opt for baby spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile, adding to the freshness of the salad.
• Spice It Up: Include some red pepper flakes if you’re craving a bit of heat to contrast with the creamy dressing.
• Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an indulgent crunch that elevates the experience.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance — just remember to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve, to maintain the salad’s crispness.
• Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have parmesan? Feel free to replace it with pecorino or a vegan cheese to cater to dietary preferences.
• Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Nutrition Information per Serving

• Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 350mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead? Yes! This salad tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it ahead of time.

• Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out components based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• How long does it last? The salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator, but the greens are best enjoyed fresh.

A Cozy Closing Note

This Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a busy day. This dish reflects bright seasonal flavors and good company, reminding us of the beauty that can come from simple ingredients. Be sure to save this recipe to your “salads” or “meal prep” board so you have this delicious treat ready when you need it most. Happy cooking, my friends!

Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing

---

• Author: Chef Emma
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Save Recipe Recipe Saved

Pin Recipe

Description

A vibrant and comforting salad featuring pasta, kale, and a creamy garlic basil dressing.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup pasta
• 2 cups kale (roughly chopped)
• 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes
• 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil (stems removed)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2–2 tsp white wine vinegar
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• 1/4–1/2 tsp salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

---

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Once done, drain and allow to cool slightly before mixing into the salad.
2. Make Dressing: In a food processor or blender, add dressing ingredients: fresh basil, olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
3. Mix Salad: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle a touch of olive oil over the roughly chopped kale. Gently massage the leaves for 1-2 minutes to tenderize them. Add the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and shredded parmesan.
4. Dress It Up: Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss together until combined.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

This salad is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, pasta salad, kale salad, healthy recipe, meal prep