Kale Caesar Salad is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad. It’s got all the traditional flavors but with the added crunch and rich earthiness of fresh kale. It’s a perfect lunch recipe or side dish at family dinners.
Classic Caesar Salad is one of the most popular types of salad in the world, but this kale Caesar might surpass it! It’s not just delicious — it’s also incredibly quick and easy to make! In as little as five minutes, you can have a family-sized kale Caesar salad ready to serve. This year-round staple can’t be beat in terms of simplicity and satisfaction.
Why You'll Love this Kale Caesar Salad
- A delicious twist on classic Caesar salad. While the most important ingredients remain the same, the addition of kale reinvents this Caesar salad and makes it even better.
- Simple ingredients. It only takes five common ingredients to make this easy and delicious Caesar salad with kale, and you might already have some of them on hand! With fresh greens, creamy dressing, and toppings (such as croutons and Parmesan cheese) for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Perfect for all occasions. Kale caesar salad with kale is great as a side dish for casual dinners, on its own as a quick lunch, or as the salad course for a more formal dinner. It’s also good for potlucks and carry-ins.
- It’s packed with nutrients. Kale is a superfood that is high in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as calcium and iron. It's also a great source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this easy Kale Caesar Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):
- kale - a fresh bunch is recommended here but you can also use pre-cut bags of kale to make it even easier to make this kale Caesar. If you don't have kale on hand, you can use another leafy green in this salad. Some good options include spinach, romaine lettuce, or mixed greens.
- romaine lettuce - romaine is classic in Caesar salads, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use more butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce instead. You can also use more kale instead.
- parmesan cheese - asiago or pecorino romano would also work in place of the parmesan cheese in this recipe. For a vegan substitute, try nutritional yeast.
- croutons - seasoned or unseasoned croutons are fine — it’s up to your personal preference. For a healthier alternative, you can use another type of crunchy topping. Some good options include toasted nuts, seeds, or rolled oats. You can also omit the croutons entirely.
- Caesar salad dressing - you can use your favorite Caesar dressing or make one yourself! There are also dairy-free and vegan options in stores for those with a dairy allergy or other restrictions.
You will also need measuring cups and a large serving bowl (or mixing bowl).
How to Make the Best Kale Caesar Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine kale, romaine lettuce, parmesan, and croutons.
Drizzle salad with Caesar salad dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Add some protein. Add in some protein to this kale salad such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make this a more filling meal. You could also add in tofu or hard-boiled eggs for a plant-based protein boost.
- Mix it up with different greens. If you're not a fan of kale, you can use any leafy green in this recipe. Spinach, romaine, and mixed greens all work well.
- Add other veggies. Add in extra veggies like sliced avocado and cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor and extra nutrients to this salad.
- Make it vegan. To make this recipe vegan, simply use a vegan Caesar dressing and substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
How to Serve
You can serve this Kale Caesar Salad as a light lunch, side dish, or as a main meal with some added protein such as grilled chicken or tofu. Caesar salad is traditionally served alongside a simple star protein such as fish, steak, and chicken for a wholesome dinner.
Some of our favorite mains to serve with this kale salad are:
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Greek Salmon
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Pecan Crusted Chicken
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Make your own Caesar dressing. If you’ve got time on your hands, you can make your own Caesar Salad Dressing in just minutes for the freshest flavor.
- Make your own croutons. You can also make homemade croutons (try our Rice Croutons for a twist!).
- Make ahead tips: It's best to assemble the salad just before serving, as the kale can become wilted if it sits in the dressing for too long. However, you can definitely prep the dressing (if making it from scratch) ahead of time to make the final assembly faster. Just keep the dressing in the fridge until you're ready to use it (up to 1 week).
- How to use leftover dressing. If you have any leftover homemade dressing, you can use it to make more salad, try it as a dipping sauce for vegetables, or use as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
For best results, store the undressed salad separately from the dressing to prevent wilting and remove the croutons. Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If the salad has been dressed, you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend removing the croutons and adding new ones before serving as they will get soggy the longer they are stored. When you are ready to serve the salad, remove it from the refrigerator and give it a good stir to distribute the dressing evenly. You may need to add a little bit more dressing to the salad if it has absorbed a lot of the dressing while it was stored in the refrigerator. Then, add fresh croutons and serve.
How to Freeze
It’s not recommended to freeze salads as the greens will wilt and change texture.
More Salad Recipes
- 40 Best Salad Recipes
- Sweet Kale Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Mexican Caesar Salad
- Lemon Kale Salad
- Winter Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Print
Kale Caesar Salad
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Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
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Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kale Caesar Salad is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad. It’s got all the traditional flavors but with the added crunch and rich earthiness of fresh kale. It’s a perfect lunch recipe or side dish at family dinners.
- 1 bunch fresh kale, chopped (about 4 cups chopped)
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 4 cups chopped)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shaved or shredded
- 1-2 cups croutons
- 1 cup caesar salad dressing (or less to taste)
- In a large serving bowl, combine kale, romaine lettuce, parmesan, and croutons.
- Drizzle salad with caesar salad dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
How to store undressed salad: For best results, store the undressed salad separately from the dressing to prevent wilting and remove the croutons. Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to store salad with dressing. If the salad has been dressed, you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend removing the croutons and adding new ones before serving as they will get soggy the longer they are stored. When you are ready to serve the salad, remove it from the refrigerator and give it a good stir to distribute the dressing evenly. You may need to add a little bit more dressing to the salad if it has absorbed a lot of the dressing while it was stored in the refrigerator. Then, add fresh croutons and serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: kale caesar salad, caesar salad with kale
