Description
This Kale Caesar Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic favorite, featuring hearty Lacinato kale dressed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing, topped with crispy bacon and crunchy homemade croutons. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect blend of robust flavors and textures, making it an ideal salad for a nutritious lunch or a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 bunch kale (Lacinato/dinosaur/tuscan kale), stem 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 substitute with 3 tbsp unsalted butter)
- 1 ½ cups bread, torn into smaller pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Remove the stems from the kale bunch. Rinse the leaves thoroughly and dry them well using a salad spinner or by patting dry with towel. Slice the kale into approximately ¼ inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Make Bacon Croutons: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the cut bacon pieces. Cook until crispy, then transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. In the same pan, using the rendered bacon fat, add the torn bread pieces. Toast and brown them thoroughly, tossing often to ensure they are evenly coated in bacon fat. For a vegetarian option, use unsalted butter instead of bacon fat to toast the bread.
- Dress the Kale: Pour the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing over the chopped kale. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the leaves until the kale softens and wilts slightly. Allow the kale to sit with the dressing for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Salad: Transfer the dressed kale to a serving platter. Scatter the crispy bacon pieces and homemade croutons on top. Finally, sprinkle the freshly shaved parmesan cheese over the salad. Serve immediately with your favorite protein if desired.
Notes
- Massage the kale well with dressing to break down the tough leaves and make the salad more tender.
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor in the croutons.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with unsalted butter to toast the bread.
- Letting the kale sit with the dressing enhances the flavor and softens the leaves.
- Freshly shaved parmesan provides a creamy, salty finish; pre-grated cheese won’t melt or blend as well.
