Kale Caesar Salad Recipe
A flavorful and hearty Kale Caesar Salad featuring tender Lacinato kale leaves massaged with creamy homemade Caesar dressing, topped with crispy bacon, golden homemade croutons, and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese. This salad offers a delightful twist on the classic Caesar by incorporating nutritious kale and savory bacon bits for added texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 bunch kale (Lacinato/dinosaur/tuscan kale), stem removed and finely chopped
- ¼ cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp Caesar dressing (homemade preferred or store-bought)
Toppings
- 6 pieces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1” pieces (or 3 tbsp unsalted butter as a substitute)
- 1½ cups bread, torn into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Remove the stems from the kale bunch. Rinse the leaves thoroughly and pat dry with a towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Slice the kale into ¼ inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook the Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crisped to your preferred level. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Make the Croutons: Using the same pan with the rendered bacon fat, add the torn bread pieces. Toss frequently to coat the bread evenly and toast until browned and crispy. If you prefer not to use bacon, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the pan to toast the bread instead.
- Toss the Kale with Dressing: Pour the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing over the chopped kale. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale leaves, softening and wilting them slightly. Allow the kale and dressing to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to enhance flavor absorption while you finish preparing other ingredients.
- Assemble the Salad: Transfer the dressed kale to a serving platter. Evenly scatter the crispy bacon pieces, golden croutons, and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, optionally pairing with your favorite protein to make a complete meal.
Notes
- Massaging the kale helps to soften its texture and reduce bitterness.
- You can substitute bacon with unsalted butter for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for croutons to ensure crispiness when toasted.
- Homemade Caesar dressing provides the best flavor, but quality store-bought dressing works well too.
- For an extra touch, add freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Keywords: Kale Caesar Salad, Caesar Salad with Bacon, Homemade Caesar Dressing, Kale Salad, Healthy Caesar Salad
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/kale-caesar-salad-recipe/
