Our Best Kale Caesar Recipe
The Caesar salad is Chef Caesar Cardini’s gift to culinary culture that just keeps giving. We love a classic Caesar Salad, traditionally made with romaine lettuce, parmesan and croutons and classic Caesar Dressing. We’ve made it The Modern Proper with a little crispy Parmesan frico and toasted panko breadcrumbs and added fresh creamy avocado slices. Serve this on its own, or with Garlic Bread and a big scoop of Mushroom Lasagna or the like. For more kale goodness, try our Tropical Kale Salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make A Crunchy Kale Caesar Dressing
A good Caesar salad can be judged by its dressing. We present our best reason to love anchovies! In addition to Italian kale (aka lacinato) and other salad goodies, you’ll need the following ingredients to make Kale Caesar dressing (it’s basically two of everything, to make it easy):
Egg yolks – These will help thicken and emulsify the dressing.
Anchovy filets – Divisive, we know, but it’s not Caesar salad without them.
Garlic – If it doesn’t make your tongue tingle, you haven’t added enough!
Worcestershire sauce – This underlines the umami from the anchovies, and also adds a little tart sweetness.
How To Make A Kale Caesar Salad
Make the Parmesan crisps – Drop finely grated Parmesan cheese by the tablespoon onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. A handheld cheese grater makes this a cinch. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
Toast the panko in olive oil until it’s a nutty brown. We like panko instead of croutons, because it adds a petite crunch.
How to massage kale for Caesar salad – Get in there with both hands and gently rub the kale leaves with the lemon juice until tender and glossy.
Make the dressing in a blender or food processor.
Dress the salad. Top with toasted panko, avocado, Parmesan crisps, and pepper to serve.
How to Store Kale Caesar + Tips
Kale is heartier than romaine and other lettuces, but you’ll still want to eat leftovers within a day or two. Unfortunately, we don’t recommend freezing this salad.
There aren’t really any substitutions to be made to kale Caesar, but there are some fine additions to be made like adding Shredded Chicken or Baked Salmon.
Some like a spicy kale Caesar, in which case you could add up to a tablespoon of your favorite chili oil to the dressing.
And hey, if you miss the romaine lettuce, you could always chop some up and make a kale-romaine blend.
Love Kale? Here’s More Kale Recipes To Cook + Enjoy
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