Kale Caesar Salad (Printable)

Fresh kale leaves massaged and coated in a rich, tangy dressing topped with Parmesan and crunchy croutons.

# What You'll Need:

→ Greens

01 - 1 large bunch kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, for massaging kale

→ Dressing

03 - 1 large egg yolk
04 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 - 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (optional, substitute with capers for vegetarian)
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Crunchy Bits

12 - 2 cups rustic bread, cut into cubes
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

→ Topping

15 - 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss bread cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy. Let cool.
02 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and massage gently with hands for 2 to 3 minutes until the leaves soften and darken.
03 - Whisk egg yolk, Dijon mustard, minced anchovies (or capers), garlic, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create a thick, emulsified dressing. Stir in grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - Pour dressing over massaged kale and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Gently fold in the cooled croutons.
06 - Transfer salad to a platter or individual bowls. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and serve immediately to retain crunch.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The massaging trick transforms tough kale into something silky and irresistible
  • Hemade croutons are a total game changer that you will get addicted to
02 -
  • The kale needs time in the dressing to soften, so do not wait until the last minute to dress it
  • Room temperature ingredients emulsify better than cold ones
03 -
  • Whisking the dressing by hand takes about five minutes and creates the best texture
  • If the dressing looks too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it
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