Though I love to cook, I really don’t like to watch cooking shows. My aunt introduced me to The Pioneer Woman and now I’m hooked. I occasionally watch it when I actually sit down to eat lunch. Ree Drummond’s recipes inspire me to cook and even clean/organize my home. Just the other day, I watched an episode where she made Kale Pasta Mason Jar Salad and was really excited about trying it out, but without the mason jar. As cute as it looks in there, I just can’t see enjoying eating a salad out of one. Plus there’s no way I’ll send glass jars to school with the girls! lol. That would be a recipe for disaster!
Here’s my version of her Kale Pasta Salad, made with Red Lentil Bean pasta from Trader Joe’s. It’s gluten-free AND very high in protein because it’s made from, red lentil bean flour. Thanks for the tip, Janeanne! It’s in our regular rotation of pasta now. I also added some sauteed chicken thighs seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder. DELICIOUS!!
I went out on a limb this morning and packed the girls this pasta salad for lunch. I warned them ahead of time and told them to expect something different and new. Both Big Sis and Little Sis approved. Little Sis snuck a peek ahead of time and said it not only looked good, it smelled delicious. Definitely a good sign.
Kale Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 oz pasta, cooked according to directions For gluten-free, I use Trader Joe's Red Lentil Pasta for added protein
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (I use avocado oil)
- 6 boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/2 tsp salt
- ground black pepper
- 2-3 handfuls kale
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 8 oz mozzarella balls
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 cup shredded/grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat pan over med heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Saute chicken until thoroughly cooked. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper.
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While waiting for chicken to cook, prepare salad dressing. Alternately, you can use your favorite balsamic dressing. A family favorite is Ken's Steakhouse Simply Balsamic Vinaigrette.
-
Add kale and saute until it starts to wilt. Season with remaining 1/4 tsp salt and pepper.
-
Transfer to bowl and add cooked pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella balls. Add dressing and toss together.
-
Top with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Recipe Notes
To meal prep this salad for the upcoming week, don’t combine tomatoes and fresh basil. Store these ingredients separately and add to the salad, day-of, in case they don’t stay fresh, as these ingredients don’t keep as well when pre-mixed.
So here’s Big Sis’ Lunch, complete with the homemade granola bar they never seem to get tired of and a package of applesauce and fruit snacks.
Little Sis’ had strawberries, a Fuji apple and a cookie in addition to the granola bar.
I’m super happy that both girls really liked it! Big Sis had a make up test during lunch and the poor thing didn’t eat a thing at school today. So when she came home, she was STARVING. I made her a new batch of this and she gobbled it up! Well… except she picked out some of the kale, which is not too surprising since it was a little bitter. Next time, I’m using spinach! While she was eating, she remarked, “I don’t know if it’s because I’m sooooo hungry, but this pasta salad is delicious!” lol.
Little Sis’ came home emptied too, but she picked out the tomatoes, which did surprise me. Apparently, they were too juicy. Next time, I’ll just cut them in half. She did complain that hers leaked in her bag, so next time I may need to use a different lunch container. Easylunchboxes by design aren’t leakproof so if carried upright, it’s fine. Unfortunately, neither of their lunches are carried upright. haha. Big Sis’ didn’t have a problem though. Still a big win in my book!
Last night Little Sis asked me, “Mommy, can you pack something new and interesting again for lunch tomorrow??!!?” Hee hee. Sadly, she just got a boring ol’ sandwich today. : (
Thanks so much for stopping by! Feel free to make my day by leaving me a comment, following my blog via email, on Facebook or on Instagram. The more the merrier!
Christine, aka happyvballgirl : )
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It's rather delicious and dangerous to have around… I find them hard to resist myself. lol. Thanks for stopping by, Jenna! 🙂
That granola looks yummy.