Description
A vibrant and hearty Kale Caesar Salad featuring tender Lacinato kale leaves massaged with a classic homemade Caesar dressing, topped with crispy bacon croutons and freshly shaved parmesan cheese. This recipe offers a nutritious twist on the traditional Caesar salad with robust flavors and satisfying textures, perfect as a side or a light main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 bunch Lacinato (dinosaur/tuscan) kale, stems removed and finely chopped
- ¼ cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing
Bacon Croutons
- 6 pieces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (or replace with 3 tbsp unsalted butter for a vegetarian option)
- 1½ cups bread, torn into smaller pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Remove the stems from the kale, rinse the leaves thoroughly, and dry them using a salad spinner or pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the kale into ¼-inch pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the bacon croutons: In a skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crisp to your liking. Transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Keep the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
- Toast the bread: Add the torn bread pieces to the same skillet with the bacon fat and cook, tossing frequently, until the bread is toasted and golden brown. If you prefer to avoid bacon, you can use 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter instead to toast the bread.
- Dress and massage the kale: Pour the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing over the chopped kale. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale leaves thoroughly until they become wilted and softened. Let the dressed kale sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the salad: Transfer the dressed kale onto a serving platter. Top with the crispy bacon pieces, toasted bread croutons, and freshly shaved parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by your favorite protein.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with unsalted butter for toasting the croutons.
- Massaging the kale is essential to soften the tough leaves and help them absorb the dressing better.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Allowing the dressed kale to rest enhances the overall taste and texture of the salad.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook with Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Kale Caesar Salad, bacon croutons, homemade Caesar dressing, healthy salad, Lacinato kale recipe
