Introduction

Kale Caesar Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional Caesar salad, featuring roasted garlic dressing and crispy panko breadcrumbs. This savory dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your meal repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a healthy meal, this kale salad with Caesar dressing will satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Kale Caesar Salad

This Kale Caesar Salad is a must-try for several reasons. First, it’s loaded with nutrients, thanks to kale, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Second, the roasted garlic dressing provides a unique twist that elevates the flavor. Third, this recipe is flexible; you can easily make a vegan kale Caesar salad by substituting the mayonnaise. Fourth, it’s great for meal prep, lasting several days in the fridge. Fifth, it can be gluten-free if you choose gluten-free croutons. Lastly, it’s a low-calorie kale Caesar salad option, perfect for those watching their intake.

Savory Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing - Kale Caesar Salad - main visual representation

Ingredients for Kale Caesar Salad

Gather these items:

2 bunches curly kale (washed and chopped)
8 cloves garlic (for roasting)
6 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2.5 tablespoons mayonnaise (for creaminess)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for sharpness)
0.75 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami flavor)
0.5 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)
0.25 teaspoon black pepper (for subtle heat)
0.125 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for spiciness)
1 tablespoon water (to thin the dressing)
a dash Tabasco sauce (to taste)
0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
5 tablespoons parmesan cheese (divided)

How to Make Kale Caesar Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of olive oil with the garlic cloves. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until the garlic turns light golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Carefully remove the garlic from heat and let the oil cool to room temperature. Reserve the roasted garlic cloves for later.
Step 3: In a blender, combine the roasted garlic cloves, mayonnaise, lemon juice, water, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Tabasco. Blend until smooth.
Step 4: Turn the blender to medium and slowly drizzle in the roasted garlic oil, blending until emulsified.
Step 5: In a small mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
Step 6: Transfer the breadcrumb mixture to a frying pan and cook over medium heat until toasted golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 7: Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Pour the roasted garlic dressing over the kale and massage it for 3-4 minutes.
Step 8: Add the toasted breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan to the salad and toss gently. Serve and enjoy!

Savory Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing - Kale Caesar Salad - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Kale Caesar Salad

Keep these in mind:

Massage the kale for at least 3-4 minutes to tenderize it.
Use freshly roasted garlic for the best flavor.
For a gluten-free kale Caesar salad, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost to your healthy kale Caesar recipe.
Mix in anchovies for an authentic Caesar flavor if you’re not making a vegan version.

Best Ways to Serve Kale Caesar Salad

Consider these serving ideas:

Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Serve alongside your favorite soup to create a hearty lunch.
Top with extra Parmesan cheese for an indulgent touch, especially in a classic Caesar salad with kale form.

How to Store and Reheat Kale Caesar Salad

To keep your Kale Caesar Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you want to meal prep, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy kale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kale Caesar Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Kale Caesar Salad?

The secret lies in massaging the kale to enhance its texture and flavor. This process breaks down the toughness of the leaves, making them tender and enjoyable, especially when paired with a creamy kale Caesar dressing recipe.

Can I make Kale Caesar Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the kale salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the freshness and crunch of the kale.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Kale Caesar Salad?

Avoid over-dressing the salad, as this can make it soggy. Also, ensure that the kale is well-massaged for the best texture. Lastly, be careful not to skip the garlic roasting, as it adds a unique depth of flavor to your kale salad with Caesar dressing.

Variations of Kale Caesar Salad You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

Transform it into a Vegan Kale Caesar Salad by using plant-based mayonnaise and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
Add roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed option that works well in a gluten-free kale Caesar salad.
Experiment with different greens, like Swiss chard or spinach, to create a colorful salad.
For a zestier version, mix in some capers or sun-dried tomatoes to your classic Caesar salad with kale.

For more information on the health benefits of kale, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in making your own homemade dressing, consider trying this recipe. You can also explore Mediterranean chickpea salad for a different flavor profile.

Savory Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing

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Author: David
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Savory Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing

Ingredients

Scale

2 bunches curly kale (washed and chopped)
8 cloves garlic (for roasting)
6 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2.5 tablespoons mayonnaise (for creaminess)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for sharpness)
0.75 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami flavor)
0.5 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)
0.25 teaspoon black pepper (for subtle heat)
0.125 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for spiciness)
1 tablespoon water (to thin the dressing)
a dash Tabasco sauce (to taste)
0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
5 tablespoons parmesan cheese (divided)

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of olive oil with the garlic cloves. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the garlic turns light golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the garlic from heat and let the oil cool to room temperature. Reserve the roasted garlic cloves for later.
In a blender, combine the roasted garlic cloves, mayonnaise, lemon juice, water, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Tabasco. Blend until smooth.
Turn the blender to medium and slowly drizzle in the roasted garlic oil, blending until emulsified.
In a small mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
Transfer the breadcrumb mixture to a frying pan and cook over medium heat until toasted golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Pour the roasted garlic dressing over the kale and massage it for 3-4 minutes.
Add the toasted breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan to the salad and toss gently. Serve and enjoy!