Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta (whole wheat or regular)
- 4 cups chopped kale, ribs removed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional but recommended for that creamy tang)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional substitution: Use spinach or baby kale if you prefer a milder green
- Optional substitution: Swap feta cheese for goat cheese or omit for a vegan version
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the kale by washing and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Remove the tough stems because they can be unpleasantly chewy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped kale, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and diced red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. This dressing is the heartbeat of the salad—bright, tangy, and a little sweet, just like Mama Lou liked it.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and kale mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly so every piece of kale is coated and the flavors meld beautifully. This is a great moment to pause and taste. Adjust salt or vinegar if you want more zing.
- Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts gently, preserving their texture and adding a lovely contrast to the salad.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the kale soften slightly and the flavors develop, much like a good family conversation that deepens over time.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and sprinkle a little extra feta or nuts on top for garnish, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International