Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

This delicious Kale Caesar Pasta Salad is a creamy, hearty salad that eats like a meal. Tossed with our rich Vegan Caesar Dressing and topped with crispy Roasted Chickpeas, this savory, fresh, crunchy salad is high-protein and vegan.

With protein-packed chickpea pasta, roasted chickpeas, shredded kale, and scallions for bite, this dish is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a casual weeknight dinner. So if you’re a fan of bold salads like the Kale and Quinoa Salad, you’re going to want this vegan pasta salad in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

• Hearty enough for lunch or dinner
• Creamy, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite
• Packed with plant-based protein and fiber
• Easy to make with just a few whole-food ingredients
• Great for meal prep and holds up well in the fridge
• One of our Starch Solution Recipes
• Can easily be modified to be Daniel Fast approved by using whole-grain pasta

Want more plant-based pasta salads? Don’t miss the Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad made with our oil-free Vegan Almond Pesto.

Health Benefits

• Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, providing fiber and antioxidants that support detoxification and immune function.
• Chickpea pasta provides protein, iron, and fiber while being naturally gluten-free.
• Roasted chickpeas add even more protein and fiber to this salad, while also supporting blood sugar regulation.
• Scallions (or green onions) provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vegan Caesar dressing is made with cashews, nori, garlic, lemon, and nutritional yeast, delivering flavor and nutrients without dairy or oil.

For another nutrient-dense salad with a different flavor profile, try our Kale Lentil Salad or our vibrant and spicy Tofu Banh Mi Salad.

What’s In This Vegan Pasta Salad

• Chickpea pasta – Chewy, hearty base that absorbs the creamy Caesar dressing beautifully. I love this high-protein Barilla Cellentani Pasta made with chickpeas, lentils, and barley. For a gluten-free option, check out Banza brand pasta, which has even more protein per serving.
• Finely chopped kale – Offers a bold green bite and holds up well to dressing. I used lacinato kale, but curly kale works as well. Either way, be sure to shred or finely chop it.
• Chopped scallions – Bring mild sharpness and brightness to each bite.
• Roasted chickpeas – Crunchy, savory topping that mimics croutons.
• Vegan Caesar dressing – Creamy, garlicky, and full of umami depth.

A complete ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• Pasta swap: Use lentil pasta or quinoa pasta if you prefer, or whole-wheat pasta if gluten isn’t an issue. If you're doing the Daniel Fast, opt for a whole-grain pasta.
• Greens: Try baby kale, spinach, or chopped romaine if you don’t have kale on hand.
• Add more veggies: Cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, or shredded carrots would add color and crunch.
• Protein boost: Add cubes of Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets or Tempeh Bacon for a heartier version.

How to Make This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Step 1

Make the roasted chickpeas according to recipe instructions. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature.

Step 2

Bring water to a boil and add chickpea pasta (or whole-grain pasta). Cook according to package instructions. Rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it.

Step 3

Make the Vegan Caesar Dressing according to recipe instructions.

Step 4

Add the cooked and cooled pasta, finely chopped kale, scallions, and most of the Roasted Chickpeas to a large bowl (save some roasted chickpeas for topping).

Step 5

Carefully mix the ingredients and pour in one batch of the Vegan Caesar Dressing.

Step 6

Toss until evenly coated.

Step 7

Top with the remaining roasted chickpeas and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Let the pasta and roasted chickpeas cool to room temperature before mixing to avoid wilting the kale.
• Massage the kale. Just a minute or two of massaging helps tenderize the leaves, making them easier to chew.
• Make extra roasted chickpeas to either sprinkle them just before eating this salad for maximum crunch and a protein boost, or use them as a meal prep snack to enjoy throughout the week.

Love hearty and cozy salads? Try the Chickpea Sweet Potato Salad.

What to Pair With This Pasta Salad

• Serve Air Fryer Tempeh on the side or tossed on top of this salad. The savory, firm texture and smoky flavor of the tempeh pair perfectly with the creamy Caesar dressing and hearty kale.
• If you want a warm comfort dish alongside your salad, the Leek and Mushroom Soup is a great choice. The earthy mushroom flavor and leeks complement this salad.
• For a different taste profile, the Vegan Lentil Soup is a strong contender for a side dish. The earthy flavors don’t compete and can round out the meal nicely.
• For something special to sip on with this meal, check out our Italian Mocktail, Watermelon Mocktail, or Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte.

Recipe FAQs

This Kale Caesar Pasta Salad brings together bold flavor, plant-based nutrition, and weeknight simplicity all in one bowl. It’s the kind of meal you’ll look forward to again and again, whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a casual dinner, or just craving a creamy Caesar fix.

Want to explore more salads that celebrate flavor and wellness? Don’t miss the Curry Quinoa Chickpea Salad or Green Goddess Salad next.

Related Salad Recipes to Check Out

If you tried this or any other recipe on our website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it went in the 📝 comments below! We'd love to get your feedback for improvement.