If you’re a fan of Caesar salads but want to try something different, this Kale Caesar Salad is a fantastic option. Kale is packed with nutrients and gives a fresh twist to the classic romaine-based Caesar. The hearty kale leaves hold up well to the creamy Caesar dressing, giving you a crunchy and satisfying salad perfect as a light meal or side dish. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in no time, and it’s great for meal prepping too!
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 25mins |
History of Kale Caesar Salad
The original Caesar salad was invented 1920s by Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur. The classic salad features romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing made with anchovies, lemon juice, and garlic. The kale version is a modern adaptation of this classic recipe, adding a healthy twist by swapping out the romaine for nutrient-dense kale. Over the years, kale has gained popularity for its health benefits, and incorporating it into Caesar salad has become a favorite for those looking for a more robust and nutritious salad.
Why Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad is a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of Caesar salad with the added health benefits of kale. Kale is a superfood that’s rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like A, C, and K. The sturdy leaves make this salad extra crunchy, and they absorb the creamy dressing perfectly. It’s also a versatile dish that works well as a main course or side, and it can be topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a poached egg for extra protein.
What is Kale Caesar Salad Made of?
This Kale Caesar Salad stays true to the classic Caesar salad ingredients but uses fresh kale leaves instead of romaine lettuce. Here’s what goes into the salad:
- Kale: The base of the salad, offers a more substantial texture than romaine.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory flavor.
- Homemade croutons: Crunchy bread cubes tossed in olive oil and seasoning.
- Caesar dressing: Made with ingredients like garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, anchovies, and olive oil.
- Optional toppings: Grilled chicken, bacon bits, or poached eggs for added protein.
What to Have with Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad pairs well with many main dishes or can be eaten on its own as a lighter meal. Some great options to serve alongside include:
- Grilled chicken: A simple protein to make it more filling.
- Soup: A creamy tomato soup or vegetable soup works great.
- Steak: For a heartier meal, you can serve this salad with steak.
- Garlic bread: A side of crusty bread complements the salad’s flavors.
Is Kale Caesar Salad Healthy?
Yes, Kale Caesar Salad is a nutritious option! Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The homemade Caesar dressing can be adjusted to make it lighter, using less oil or opting for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Adding lean proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp can increase the nutritional value while keeping the dish balanced. However, be mindful of the portion sizes of cheese and croutons, as they can add extra calories.
Kitchen Equipment
- Salad bowl: Toss the kale and dressing together.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the kale and other ingredients.
- Food processor or blender: For making the Caesar dressing.
- Baking sheet: If making homemade croutons.
- Tongs or salad servers: For tossing and serving the salad.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 200g (about 4 cups) kale, washed and chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
- Optional: Grilled chicken or bacon bits for topping
For the dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 anchovy fillets, mashed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the kale: Wash the kale thoroughly and pat it dry. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large salad bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until the dressing is smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Massage the kale: Add a small amount of dressing to the kale and use your hands to massage the dressing into the leaves. This helps to soften the kale and make it more tender.
- Toss the salad: Add the remaining dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons to the kale. Toss everything together until the kale is well-coated.
- Serve: Top with optional grilled chicken or bacon bits if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips
- Massage the kale: Don’t skip massaging the kale. It helps break down the tough fibers, making it easier to eat.
- Make it ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, top your salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or poached eggs.
- Use lacinato kale: Also known as dinosaur or Tuscan kale, it’s a bit more tender than curly kale and works well in this salad.
Conclusion
Kale Caesar Salad is a fresh and delicious take on the classic Caesar salad. With its hearty kale base and flavorful Caesar dressing, this salad is perfect as a light meal or a nutritious side dish. The addition of croutons and Parmesan gives it a nice crunch, and you can easily add protein to make it more filling. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or prepping it for your lunches, this salad is sure to be a hit!
MORE RECIPES
The Best Kale Caesar Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Salad bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Food processor or blender
- Baking Sheet
- Tongs or salad servers
Ingredients
- 200g (about 4 cups) kale, washed and chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
- Optional: Grilled chicken or bacon bits for topping
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 anchovy fillets, mashed
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the kale thoroughly and pat it dry. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large salad bowl.
- In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until the dressing is smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add a small amount of dressing to the kale and use your hands to massage the dressing into the leaves. This helps to soften the kale and make it more tender.
- Add the remaining dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons to the kale. Toss everything together until the kale is well-coated.
- Top with optional grilled chicken or bacon bits if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!