Kale Ceasar Salad with Homemade Dressing



You guys...this is one tasty recipe!  I've always enjoyed caesar salad but we all know it's the not the healthiest of options.  However, this kale version really kicks it up a notch...I don't know that I'll ever be able to enjoy it any other way again!

Not only did we use kale for the lettuce, but hubby used his homemade dressing AND made the croutons as well!  Yum!

The key to kale is to buy the full leaves...devein the center stalk...and chop as finely as possible.  Be sure to make the dressing in advance and dress the kale for at least 30 minutes before serving.  It helps to break down the kale and make it a bit more tender and delicious.

The thing I love about this dressing is that it's tangy and a little bit lighter than the stuff you buy at the store.  Besides, fresh is always best, don't you think?

For the Dressing:

1 TB Dijon Mustard
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Juice of one lemon
2 egg yolks
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup parmesan, grated
Pepper to taste

For the Salad:

Kale, finely chopped and de-stalked
Sourdough Bread, cubed
Half Stick Butter, melted
Garlic Salt
Paprika
Pepper
Pine Nuts, handful
Avocado, half to full
Parmesan, handful

Preheat the oven to 350.  Stir the dressing ingredients together and dress the kale lettuce in advance.  Let sit for at least 30 minutes.  In the meantime, toss the sourdough cubes and melted butter together in bowl.  Spread the bread in a single layer on a sheet pan and sprinkle with the paprika, garlic salt, and pepper.  Roast for 15-12 minutes...turn at least once.  Remove once the croutons are golden brown.

Once the croutons are cool, toss the lettuce, croutons, pine nuts, avocado and parmesan together.  Add some bacon for a little extra bite, if you like! 

And most importantly...enjoy!  We served along side a flank steak and it was perfection!

xo natasha

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16 comments :

  1. Looks delicious!!! I need to make this, I love kale

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  2. I've recently jumped on the kale train, in my smoothies. I have tried it in salads and loved it as well. This looks really good!

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  3. Yum, Yum!!! I am on a major eat-better-feel-better-lose-weight mission, and salads are my LEAST favorite meal, so I love to find yummy ones!! THanks for sharing!! Do you ever make kale chips?? Delicious!

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  4. yum! I love Ceasar salads, but never order due to high calorie content of the dressing. This looks amazing...I can't wait to try it out!

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  5. This sounds delicious! I am a big fan of kale.

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  6. Yum!! I was just telling someone last night how we never make ceasar salads at home! I love the idea of using kale for the green!

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  7. DELISH! We make our own Cesar as well and it definitely is much better than store bought. Very light yet flavorful we will have to try it with kale next time!

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  8. Sounds amazing!! I love kale salad, thanks for posting it!!

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  9. Wow - this looks so delicious.

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  10. I find kale so strong that I have only really added it to smoothies but this sounds like something I might really enjoy... Think my hubby would notice that this wasn't romaine? ;)

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