Lunch: Kale Pasta Salad

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Kale, Nuts

Health benefits of Kale Pasta Salad

Kale is an excellent source of calcium, which has an important role in egg maturation and follicle development in the ovaries. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

1 pound Bowtie Pasta (farfalle)
3 Tablespoons Pine Nuts
1/4 cup Olive Oil
6 cloves Garlic, Minced
1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
1 teaspoon Black Pepper, More To Taste
1 bunch Kale, Finely Sliced
4 ounces, weight Parmesan Cheese, Shaved
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar (optional)

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and add to a large bowl. Set aside.
Add pine nuts to a small skillet over low heat. Toast slowly over the course of 8-10 minutes, tossing regularly. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and garlic over low heat so that the garlic slowly infuses the oil. When the oil starts to cause the garlic to sizzle, stir around so the garlic doesn't get too brown. When garlic starts to turn golden, add salt and pepper, stir, and set aside for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, pour the oil mixture (scraping the salt, pepper, and garlic) all over the bowtie pasta. Toss to combine and set aside.
Set the same skillet (without cleaning it) over medium-high heat. Add the kale and cook for 5 minutes, or until partly wilted.
Add kale and pine nuts to the pasta and toss it all together. Check to make sure it's no longer warm, then add Parmesan shavings and toss. Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
(Hint: This is great warmed up and served as a hot pasta dish!)
(Optional: May add 2-3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar if desired.)
NOTE: Original amount of salt was changed to 1/2 teaspoon after feedback from folks who've made it!