I’m convinced this world is made up of mixers and non-mixers.
Me. I’m a mixer.
And if I weren’t a mixer, I never would have come up with this light and refreshing combo of kale, pasta, and pistachio nuts dressed in a lemony vinaigrette.
It all started last week, when I was set to make this lovely Kale Salad with Pistachio Nuts from Deanna at Teaspoon Communications that I had pinned on to my “Healthy Recipes to Make” board.
The plan was to serve it with a simple pasta-gluten-free pasta tossed in olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper, and a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes.
You know.
Comfort pasta.
So, the pasta was cooking, and I was preparing to make the kale salad when it suddenly dawned on me that I didn’t have any smoked paprika that the recipe called for.
I thought briefly about using plain paprika, but then tasted it and decided that there was probably a very good reason the recipe specified smoked paprika.
Nevertheless, I made the lemon dressing and tossed it with the salad.
Not bad, but definitely missing something.
Oh, right.
The smoked paprika.
At this point, I decided to improvise and threw in a generous handful of Parmesan.
Nice.
REALLY nice.
So nice, that my self proclaimed non-kale eating husband {remember this kale smoothie I made for him to try???} smiled after his first bite, and then tried to go back for a second serving.
Too bad for him, I had already polished it off.
Now, I’m sure you may be wondering where the mixing part of the story comes in to the picture.
Here’s the thing-I pretty much “mix” everything on my plate when I eat. I love the taste and feel of combining flavors and textures in my mouth.
I think that’s why I’m so fond of Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines-they all satisfy the palette with sweet, spicy, salty, crunchy and sour all at once.
Amazing.
And that, my friends, is how I came to imagine this kale and pasta salad with crunchy kale and pistachios, sour lemon juice, salty Parmesan, and spicy red pepper flakes.
Even if you’re not a mixer, I think you’ll like it.
Remember…
My non kale eating husband loved it!
Here’s the recipe…
Lemony Kale, Pasta, and Pistachio Salad
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 8 ounces dry pasta {I used gluten-free penne pasta}
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachio nuts
- Salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- For the dressing: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a jar. Shake well to combine and set aside.
- For the pasta salad: Cook the pasta according to directions, then drain. Pour the pasta in to a large bowl, and add the chopped kale, parmesan cheese, and pistachio nuts. Pour dressing on top and toss well.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- You may serve the pasta salad right away, but I recommend letting the dressing infuse the pasta and kale for 10 or more minutes. You may also keep it in the refrigerator and serve it cold the next day.
The really great thing about this pasta salad is that you can prepare it ahead of time for a party or enjoy a one bowl meal for lunch or dinner. Add a piece of fresh fruit and you are good to go!
{This post is also linked up to Sweet Shot Tuesday at My Three Boybarians.}
Are you a mixer or a non-mixer? Have you ever had smoked paprika? Do you like kale? If you don’t like kale, have I persuaded you to try this pasta salad???
I would LOVE to hear from you! Please click here to leave a comment or ask a question. And, if you enjoyed the post, please share it below.
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“Variety is the very spice of life that gives it all it’s flavour.”
William Cowper, 1785. 
Obsessed with smoked paprika and as I’ve found out in a pinch, regular paprika doesn’t substitute well. As far as the dish, I’m a “mixer” too. However, when I saw the photo I did think it looked like two things mixed put together…I think the kale being smaller would look more pasta-salady, not sure. I do know you never mislead your readers so it must taste good even though something in me wants to separate the kale from the pasta. Oh yes, the anal side.
Hmm…interesting-an unmixed mixed salad! The ratio of kale to pasta is pretty significant here, as that was the ratio of pasta to kale the first time I made it, and I liked that it was more veggie heavy than pasta heavy but, yes, you’ll definitely have to trust me on this one
. I guess I really need to seek out smoked paprika to see what all the buzz is about. Thanks Lauren!
I love kale, but you’ve still persuaded me to try this!! I’m a mixer too, and I love random combinations like this. So fun!! And the pistachios probably make this dish just perfect (with the saltiness and the “crunch” factor). BRAVO!
Hee, hee! So glad to know you’re a mixer too!! Yes, the pistachios and just the right amount of salt and crunch
That’s a gorgeous salad and I’ve never been keen on kale. Maybe I have just had crap kale but I find it really bitter. If I could make a salad that looks like that, maybe I’d try it again.
Too funny-I’ve never heard the term crap kale before
I know many find it bitter, but I just love the freshness and flavor of it, and always feel so healthy when I eat it. Come visit me in California some time and I’ll make you a yummy kale salad!
yum! i love simple healthy pastas! kale rocks! what type of GF pasta do you like??
Hi Junia! Usually I use Ancient Harvest corn and quinoa blend gluten-free pasta. Love the taste and texture, but which there were more variety of fun shapes. This time I used Jovial Foods brown rice pasta which comes in some different shapes, including the penne that I used. The taste and texture are really good too!
This looks amazing EA!!
Love the combo of lemon + kale + pistachios~~~
I’m def a mixer!
Yay! Another mixer! I knew I liked you Lisa
this looks absolutely delicious, EA! i’m a mixer of unexpected flavors, too + pistachios + lemons are one of my favorite combos. will definitely be trying this!
Thanks Amy-it’s an awesome combo
Definitely hope you give it a try!
Wow! This looks amazing! Your photos are fantastic!
Thanks so much Vicky! So glad you stopped by
This looks incredible!
I have only made kale chips and I know I really should venture out. This dish seems like the way to go.
Ill do some mixing, but typically like my foods seperate. At the same time, I like some weird food combos to begin with.
OK-now you have me totally curious Kristen…What are your wierd food combos???
This is a fabulous looking recipe! My cousin has Celiac Disease and I am a vegetarian so sometimes it seems that our family treats us as odd outcasts when we all gather for holidays/celebrations. Our strategy to “join in” is to make “normal looking food” that they could all easily enjoy as well and I think this recipe fits the bill just perfectly. Over the past years since her diagnosis, the quality and taste of gluten free pastas and other products has improved dramatically which I think helps as well. I remember the first gluten free pizza crust we got from a local restaurant was so bad even the dog wouldn’t eat it haha
Thanks Tanya! I’ve heard so many stories from people with celiac or food sensitivities whose family doesn’t really support them-Makes me feel so fortunate to have the support I do from my family and friends! You’re so right-the quality of gluten-free food is really pretty good these days, but even better when you make it yourself
Love kale, planning to plant a few varieties this year. Going to really try hard and label all my plants so I can list the name when I am blogging about them.
Will definitely make this dish but I will use only the tender leaves since the kale will be coming from my garden .
Thanks so much for stopping by Norma! I’d love to get my own garden started this summer….maybe…hopefully…
. Looking forward to your kale creations!
this looks wonderful and often the best recipes are born this way
Thanks Rebecca-you are so right! And the best part is that my husband even likes it
I love red pepper flakes and kale! Is that your lemon tree? I’m jealous, I want one.
Hi Kristina-Thanks for stopping by! Yes, that is my lemon tree in the photo. I’m a little bit too obsessed with counting all the new lemons on it
Ooo this recipe looks simple, easy, and elegant! I just wrote a post today about needing to include MORE kale! LOve this recipe! Will be bookmarking it!
Great post! I really hope you try this {and sardines too!!!}
I’m a mixer, too! And oh my, how I want to mix this all around my plate right now. So delish, EA!
Somehow I had you pegged as a mixer
Thanks Marisa!!
Dang – can’t believe I’m reading this 3 days after posting – so honored you wanted to try the kale salad and I’d say you created a dish that is right up my alley! I’m a total mixer too and penne or linguine tends to be the base of all my mix-ins – this is definitely getting made in my kitchen (and man, did I wish I lived somewhere warm enough to grow a lemon tree.) You keep on inspiring me with every post
So glad to hear you are a mixer too Deanna! Happy to inspire you-the feeling is mutual! Now I just need to track down some smoked paprika and create your original salad!
I love kale in pasta – this looks lovely! I’ve been enjoying reading your blog – so I awarded you a Liebster Blog Love award on my blog
Go tohttp://thewimpyvegetarian.com/2012/02/the-perfect-his-and-hers-steak-dinner-and-another-liebster-blog-award/ to pick it up!!
Thanks so much for the Leibster Blog award. I’m truly honored! Your cauliflower steak recipe you just posted sounds amazing!
Congratulations on the Leibster!Susan awarded me one too
I love Kale EA and I’m also a mixer growing-up eating Indian food predominantly.Love all the different textures in your pasta.I’ve never added pistachos to my pastas, maybe I should try adding them next time.Loved all your pics especially the lemon tree!
Thanks so much Soni! I love all your Indian inspired recipes on your blog-definitely one of my favorite cuisines!
I love one dish meals and this one sounds so nice, light and healthy.
Thanks Jeanette! I agree-love one dish meals too, and the bonus is fewer dishes to wash-win, win
This looks so refreshing! What is your fav brand of GF noodles? We have tried several. Open to any suggestions
Cindy
What a gorgeous salad, hearty and filling! I love the addition of pistachios, my second favorite nut! Sending hugs:-)
wow! your photos are just incredible- what a great meal!
Hey there just came upon your blog from Yahoo after I typed in,
“Lemony Kale, Pasta, and Pistachio Salad | The Spicy RD” or something
similar (can’t quite remember exactly). Anyways, I’m pleased I found it because your content is exactly what I’m looking for (writing a university paper) and I hope you don’t mind if
I collect some information from here and I will
of course credit you as the source. Appreciate it.
Thanks for the recipe, this is delicious! I just made a spin of it with what I had, so sliced almonds instead of pistachios and feta instead of parmesan. Also added some lemony chicken I grilled up. Super good!
My pleasuer Veronica, and thanks so much for your comment. Your version sounds absolutely delicious too!
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my
4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off
topic but I had to tell someone!
Fantastic recipe! I was searching the internet for a pasta and kale salad recipe and found yours! I made it for dinner tonight and it is my new go to pasta salad recipe. So delicious and I love that it is quick and healthy as well. The only change I made was to use Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan because that was what I had. Thank you!
Thanks so much for your feedback and comment Michelle! So glad you enjoyed the salad, and Asiago cheese sounds delicious to me