The savory superfood salad your kitchen’s been missing!
We’re all familiar with the classic Caesar salad. It’s usually the first salad listed on the menu of many restaurants. But this kale Caesar salad is especially nutritious—featuring the superhero of leafy greens. It’s even got a thicker dressing than the typical Caesar, thanks to Greek yogurt subbing in for mayonnaise. With the perfect balance of earthy, savory, and tangy flavors, this fast and easy salad makes a big impression on veggie lovers and meat eaters alike.
The curly kale brings unique texture to the table to wake up your taste buds and make your daily dose of greens a little more interesting. In my experience, kale Caesar salad is more filling than salads based on romaine or other lettuce choices. You’ll feel satisfied and energized after enjoying this lovely dish!
Is This Kale Caesar Salad Healthy?
Providing a variety of nutrients, this kale Caesar is a healthy option for most well-balanced diets. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse that’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and potassium. It also packs fiber, iron, and folate into very few calories. The Greek yogurt not only makes the dressing thicker but also adds a bit of protein.
This recipe is also quite flexible for adapting to specific dietary concerns. For example, make it vegetarian-friendly by replacing the anchovies with capers to keep the umami and opting for a plant-based cheese and yogurt. Accommodate your gluten-sensitive friends by using gluten-free bread and this Homemade Crouton Recipe—or by skipping the croutons altogether in favor of this fabulous Roasted Chickpeas Recipe.
Common Kale Varieties
Besides being a nutrient-dense superfood, kale brings a lot of variety to your salad bowl! I’ve suggested curly kale for this recipe because it tends to be the most common in grocery stores. It also has a nice crunch and mildly peppery flavor that stands up well to the tang of Parmesan cheese. But you might want to explore other varieties once you fall in love with this salad’s easy deliciousness! Dinosaur kale gets its name from its bumpy texture that’s reminiscent of scaly reptile skin. It’s more tender, less fibrous, and slightly sweeter than curly kale, and it requires less massaging. Red Russian kale sports dramatic purple veins and stems. Its flavor profile leans toward the sweet side, and young leaves can be quite tender. Redbor kale—aka scarlet kale—might be the most visually striking variety, with curly leaves in a deep purplish to burgundy hue. Its texture and flavor profile are similar to that of curly kale.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
While I recommend enjoying this salad fresh, you can also store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Over time, the ingredients will become soggy, so consider keeping the kale, croutons, and dressing in separate containers until you’re ready to serve. Freezing salad is never a good idea, as the greens will become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This kale Caesar salad is infinitely versatile. It makes for a delightfully satisfying lunch on its own, but it also could be a great side or appetizer for lots of meals. Some of my favorite lunch combos include an Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Turkey Burgers In The Oven, and this amazing copycat Panera Tomato Soup Recipe.
For dinner, pair this salad with Instant-Pot Steak and Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans, or the lighter and brighter option of Poached Fish with Zucchini Fries.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bunch curly kale stems removed and leaves torn
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 anchovy fillets mashed (optional)
- 1 cup croutons
Instructions
- In a large bowl, massage the kale with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the leaves begin to soften and wilt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Dijon mustard, and anchovies until smooth to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and toss to coat evenly. Add the croutons and toss again. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour to let flavors meld.
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