It's taken me a few years to jump on the kale bandwagon but now that I have I love it. Packed with nutrients, kale is great pureed in smoothies, sauteed, and in this case salads. It's the perfect foil to Caesar dressing in this classic salad. I've created the most flavorful dressing and an easy way to make the best croutons at home. Do not cheat and buy those overly seasoned and chemically laden ones from the local market. Because while the salad is great it is nothing without croutons and you will soon be able to make the best ones, ever.
Ingredients for Kale Caesar Salad:
Salad:
1 - 12-ounce bag chopped Kale
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 anchovy fillets, rinse and dried
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Croutons:
1 - 8" long piece of a baguette, cut into 3/4" pieces
3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Time-Saving Tips: The dressing can be made in advance and refrigerated. The croutons can also be made in advance; be sure to completely cool before storing them.
Let's see what we need.
We're ready to make the salad.
Preheat the oven to 400-degrees. Toss the cubed baguette with the 3 teaspoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden. Stir a couple of times while baking. Set aside.
Add all of the dressing ingredients to a mini-food processor. Process until completed blended. Set aside.
Add half of the kale to a bowl along with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Gently squish the kale. You will see that it will soften a bit. Add the rest of the kale and continue squishing until most of this has softened a bit.
Toss the kale with some of the dressing and the cheese. You will have extra dressing. Once well tossed add some of the croutons.
It's ready! This really is delicious. The crunchy kale, crisp croutons, and flavorful dressing will become a favorite of yours. Serve with grill chicken, shrimp, or salmon and this is the perfect meal.
Enjoy!
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