How to Make Simple Kale Caesar Salad, Dressing, and Croutons
This kale Caesar salad is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic Caesar we all love. The kale holds up beautifully to the creamy Caesar dressing, while crunchy croutons and cheese add just the right amount of texture and flavor. It’s easy enough for a quick lunch, but delicious enough to serve alongside dinner too.
I’m all about quick and easy, and this recipe is both.
Can we all agree that homemade dressing always tastes better than store-bought?
The only thing better is when someone else makes it! 🤣
With minimal ingredients, this is bound to become your new favorite!
Add some grilled chicken and make it a nice lunch or dinner on a warm day.
I’m all about fresh, toasted croutons and simple salad dressings.
If you’re looking for a simple side salad that feels a little more special, this kale Caesar salad is always a great choice.
The homemade dressing is packed with fresh lemon, garlic, Romano cheese, and just enough anchovy to give it that classic Caesar flavor.
Tossed with crisp kale and crunchy homemade croutons, it’s a salad that’s hearty enough to stand up to grilled chicken, steak, seafood, or your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients for Simple Caesar Dressing
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garlic (minced or paste)
- Anchovies (another option: finely mince green olives)
- Dijon Mustard
- 1 egg yolk
- Romano Cheese, grated (another option: Parmesan Cheese)
- Avocado/Olive Oil
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Coarse Salt
- Coarse Black Pepper
You’ll also need
- Chopped Kale or Baby Kale
- And bread for croutons, it’s the best reason to keep the ends of bread, or bread that has gone stale, hidden in your fridge or freezer so you can make fresh croutons anytime you’d like.
One of the things I love most about using kale is that it holds up well after being dressed.
Unlike delicate greens that can wilt quickly, kale stays fresh and crisp, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings. If you prefer a slightly more tender texture, massage the kale with a small drizzle of oil before adding the dressing.
The homemade croutons add the perfect crunch and are an easy way to use up leftover bread. Combined with the creamy Caesar dressing and plenty of grated Romano cheese, every bite is loaded with flavor. This simple salad proves that a few fresh ingredients can create something truly delicious.
This is the kind of side salad that can easily become part of your regular dinner rotation. It pairs especially well with grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, and pasta dishes. The bold Caesar flavors complement simple proteins without overpowering them.
If you’re serving guests, don’t be surprised when everyone wants to have seconds.
The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, Romano cheese, and crunchy homemade croutons makes this salad simple, classic, and always a favorite.
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How to make Simple Kale Caesar Salad, Dressing, and Croutons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or paste)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worsteshire sauce
- 1/2-1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/3-1/2 cup avocado oil, or olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh grated Romano Cheese or Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add lemon juice, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, anchovy paste, egg yolk, and whisk to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking quickly until the dressing thickens.
- Whisk in cheese, salt, and pepper until it's completely combined.
- For kale salad, massage the leaves, then dress the lettuce with the dressing and place it in the fridge for about 10 minutes, then add additional cheese and croutons and serve. Add grilled chicken for a delicious high-protein salad.
- The dressing can be made ahead of time, or overnight too.