Kale Pasta Caesar Salad

Sometimes you want a salad. Sometimes you want pasta. Sometimes you need both. This is one of my favorite party tricks. It’s a perfect fresh tasting side, while still filling your guests. Add chicken if you want, or shrimp, or salmon, this is your masterpiece. I never measure I just kind of eyeball for the amount of people I am making it for. The dressing could always be doubled if you’re serving a larger crowd. And do not shy away from the anchovy paste, it’s necessary even if it does freak you out.

Ingredients:

Kale - 1 bag

Bow tie pasta - 1 box

Roasted red peppers - 1 jar

Pancetta diced - 1-2 packages

Mozzarella pearls

Shredded Parmesan

Red pepper flakes

Homemade Caesar:

-Mayo - 1 cup

-Olive oil - 2 tbsp

-Dijon - 1 tsp

-Worcestershire - 1 tsp

-Anchovy paste - 1 tsp

-Grated parmesan - 1/2 cup

-Lemon - squeeze

-Parsley - 1 tsp

-Garlic powder - 1 tsp

-Onion powder - 1 tsp

-Salt & pepper - 1/2 tsp

- About a tbsp of heavy whipping cream to thin out your dressing

Instructions:

Cook your pasta

Cook pancetta in pan

Remove pancetta leaving left over drippings

Fry pasta in pancetta grease for about 1-2 minutes

Remove from pan & let pasta cool

Add your chopped kale, cooked pancetta, chopped roasted peppers, mozzarella pearls, pasta to a bowl & mix

Add the dressing a little at a time & toss until it is coated. If you have any leftover, leave it on the side with a spoon for those who like to drown their salad aka me.

Add shaved Parmesan & cracked pepper