Description
Kale Caesar Salad is a nutritious take on the classic Caesar, using hearty kale leaves tossed in a bold, garlicky homemade Caesar dressing. Topped with Parmesan and crunchy croutons, it’s a wholesome and flavorful salad that holds up well for meal prep and entertaining alike.
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch fresh kale (lacinato or curly), stems removed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (plus more for massaging kale)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (divided for massaging and dressing)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 1–2 finely chopped anchovy fillets)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 egg yolk or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 cup croutons
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove stems from kale and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Place kale in a large bowl and drizzle with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil. Massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until it softens and darkens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and egg yolk (or mayonnaise).
- While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the massaged kale and toss to coat evenly.
- Top with croutons and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use lacinato kale for a milder flavor and tender texture, or curly kale for more crunch.To reduce bitterness, don’t skip the massaging step—it makes a big difference in flavor and texture.Store croutons separately to maintain crispness if prepping ahead.Use vegan substitutes for a plant-based version: vegan mayo, vegan Parmesan, and capers instead of anchovies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
