Kale Caesar Salad
Kale Caesar Salad. A modern take on a timeless classic. Our recipe features tender kale, shaved Parmesan and house-made croutons, all tossed in a rich, creamy garlic Caesar dressing with a hint of lemon. If you’ve never been a fan of salad, you will after trying this.
Why you'll love my recipe
Nutrient-rich superfood
Kale is a nutrient powerhouse packed with Vitamins A, C, K as well as folate, calcium and antioxidants.
Irresistible homemade dressing
My homemade Caesar dressing is going to be famous one day. I don’t know how but it will be. That’s how confident I am that you’ll love it and it’s not made with anchovies or egg!
Beecher’s cheese copycat famous salad
This is a remake of Beecher’s famous kale Caesar salad but for a fraction of the cost.
Ingredients and substitutions
Curly kale: Stems removed and leaves chopped. You can use lettuce!!
Crusty bread: We make our croutons fresh, which are almost as amazing as the homemade Caesar dressing. Substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds or roasted chickpeas.
Garlic: This is a must for the dressing. It’s the best flavor booster.
Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty flavor and thickens the dressing when blended.
Mayonnaise: Eliminate the stress of emulsion or raw eggs by using mayo. May substitute with Greek yogurt as a lighter option with a slight tang.
Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang and sweetness. A must!
Lemon juice: Provides acidity, brightness and freshness.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami flavor with subtle sweetness and tang.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil is important as the flavor of the dressing depends on it.
For the rest of the ingredients, please see the recipe index card below!
What is kale?
Kale is a leafy green vegetable related to the cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower family. The most popular types are curly and Tuscan, commonly used in soups and rice dishes. You may substitute with lettuce in this recipe!
Why do I need to massage the kale?
Kale is tough and fibrous. Massaging helps break down the fibers, making them more tender. Remove the stems and chop the kale into bite size pieces. Drizzle with olive oil and use your fingertips to rub and squeeze the leaves for 1-2 minutes until they darken and feel softer. I always use gloves when I do this part!
How to make Caesar salad dressing
Step 1
To a small mixing bowl, add mayo, freshly grated garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, juice of one lemon, salt and pepper.
Step 2
Whisk to combine then add the freshly grated parmesan. Whisk until fully mixed. If you prefer the dressing a little bit thinner, add a splash of water.
How to make Kale Caesar Salad
Make the breadcrumbs
Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Cut bread into large cubes. Place on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Season with onion salt and dried oregano. Drizzle with olive oil. Arrange in a single layer and bake for 30-40 minutes total, flipping every 15 minutes until all the sides are golden and crunchy. We aren’t looking for just toasted. We want toasted and dehydrated the bread.
Prep the kale or lettuce
Wash, dry and remove the stems from the curly kale and cut into equal, bite size pieces. If using lettuce, skip this next part. Massage the kale between your fingertips with olive oil for 1-2 minutes to soften the leaves. You may substitute with lemon juice.
Make the Caesar dressing
To a small mixing bowl, add mayo, freshly grated garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, juice of one lemon, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine then add the freshly grated parmesan. Whisk until fully mixed.
Assemble the salad
Assemble the salad into a large serving bowl. Add freshly grated parmesan on top, followed by the breadcrumbs.
Expert tips from my test kitchen
Massage the kale
This step is key for tender, soft kale. Don’t skip it!
Taste test the dressing
To check the seasoning, dip a piece of the kale into the dressing.
Make it a meal
Add grilled chicken, shrimp or tofu to make it a complete meal. Garnish with sliced apples or dried cranberries.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the kale and store in a ziplock bag in the fridge for 2-3 days. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store breadcrumbs at room temperature.
How long does Kale Caesar Salad stay fresh?
Kale Caesar Salad can stay fresh for 2-3 days if prepared and stored appropriately. If the dressing is already mixed in, the salad is best consumed same day. The acidity in the dressing makes leafy greens wilt faster.
What can I serve this salad with?
Kale Caesar Salad pairs well at any occasion with any spreads. Serve at holidays, weeknight dinners or special gatherings with mashed potatoes or artisan bread with a side of grilled chicken, steak or meatballs.
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Kale Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 4 bunches / 40 ounces curly kale, de-stemmed, may substitute for romaine lettuce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil or lemon juice
- freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
For the bread crumbs
- 6 slices of French or Italian bread
- 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Caesar dressing
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Parmesan freshly grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
- 3-4 garlic cloves measure with your heart
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- pinch of cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste
Instructions
Make the breadcrumbs
- Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Cut 4 or 5 slices of bread into cubes. Place on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Season lightly with onion salt and dried oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine. Arrange in a single layer, not overlapping the bread.Note: A lot of the salt content in this recipe comes from the cheese. Use salt sparingly and taste as you go.6 slices of French or Italian bread, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes total, flipping every 15 minutes until all the sides are golden, crunchy and completely dried out. Depending on the strength of your oven, yon may need an additional 10 minutes.
- Once completely cooled, add the croutons to a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs. Set aside.
Prep the kale
- Wash, dry and remove the stems from the curly kale and cut into equal, bite size pieces. You may also use pre-washed and pre-cut but be sure to remove the stems. It may seem like a lot of kale but trust me, the amount is correct. Do this step in batches if your bowl is not big enough. It will wilt down as you massage and toss the salad.4 bunches / 40 ounces curly kale, de-stemmed, may substitute for romaine lettuce, 2 Tablespoons olive oil or lemon juice
- Skip this next part if using romaine lettuce heartsMassage the kale between your fingertips, squeezing the leaves for 1-2 minutes with olive oil to soften the leaves. You may substitute with lemon juice but do not skip this step. It will turn dark green and feel soft. That's when you know you massaged it enough.
Make the Caesar dressing
- To a small mixing bowl, add mayo, freshly grated garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, juice of one lemon and black pepper.1½ cups mayonnaise, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 medium lemon, juiced, 3-4 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, pinch of cracked black pepper and sea salt
- Whisk to combine, then add the freshly grated parmesan. Whisk until fully mixed.1/2 cup Parmesan
- Toss the salad with the dressing until fully coated. This recipe makes extra dressing. Use it all if you like your salad more drenched in dressing or save it for later!
Assemble the salad
- Assemble the salad into a large serving bowl. Add freshly grated parmesan on top, followed by the breadcrumbs.freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
Nutrition
The provided nutritional value above is an estimate per serving. 100% accuracy is not guarenteed. Please see Nutrition Information Disclaimer in our Privacy Policy.
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
4 Responses
This salad is guilt free goodness! Perfect recipe when you want a fancy side!
So glad you enjoyed our recipe!
Quite delicious & more nutritious for a salad- we really enjoyed this.
Yay! We love to hear that 🙂