Lemon Kale Caesar Salad

This lemon kale caesar salad is an easy take on a classic Caesar salad, and it will keep well if you make it in advance.

The crunchy kale is tossed with a creamy, lemony caesar dressing and topped with crunchy croutons and Parmesan cheese for the perfect combination of flavors and textures. If you want to make this a complete meal, add some grilled or roasted chicken, shrimp, or salmon.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 377kcal

Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

For the Dressing (or use store-bought)

3 cloves garlic grated or minced
1 egg yolk pasteurized, room temperature
¼ cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
1 or 2 anchovies
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ cup light olive oil
¼ teaspoon black or white pepper
Salt to taste
½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Lemon Kale Caesar Salad

2 bunches Tuscan kale
¼ cup lemon juice
2 cups croutons
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
6 slices bacon cooked crisp and chopped

Optional Extras

2 hard boiled eggs peeled and sliced
1 grilled chicken breast sliced
1 avocado sliced
3 tablespoons almond slivers

Instructions

Make the Dressing

In a food processor, combine all the ingredients for the dressing except for the Parmesan cheese. Process until smooth, then stir in the cheese. Alternatively, you can use a stick blender.

For the Salad

Tear the leafy part from the kale ribs and discard the ribs. Chop the kale into small pieces and add to a large salad bowl.
Sprinkle the kale with lemon juice and massage for 30 seconds. If you have time, let the kale sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The acid in the lemon juice will help tenderize the kale and make it less bitter.
Toss the kale with 3 to 4 tablespoons of salad dressing. Mix well and add more dressing if you prefer extra. Store any leftover dressing in the fridge.
Add the croutons, Parmesan cheese, bacon, and additional toppings if using. Toss and serve.

Notes

If you want to make the salad in advance, do not add the croutons until it is time to serve the salad.

The kale Caesar salad will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days if you don't add the croutons (which will get soggy if they are in the salad).

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