Summer Kale Caesar Crunch Salad! ☀️
A refreshing and crunchy kale salad featuring a creamy homemade Caesar dressing, crispy seasoned breadcrumbs, and a generous topping of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a healthy and light summer meal!
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Fork (or pestle)
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Food processor (optional)
- Microplane (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh kale stems removed and chopped
- 1 fresh lemon juice of
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons capers drained
- 4 anchovy fillets or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste for ease, or skip for vegetarian
- 3/4 cup light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce use vegan if preferred
- Salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 slices stale sourdough bread or other day-old bread, torn into pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese use a microplane for fine "snow"
Instructions
- 1. Massage the kale: Gently massage the chopped kale in a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Do this for a few minutes until the kale softens and brightens in color – this makes it super tender and easy to eat!
- 2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, use a fork or a pestle to muddle the minced garlic, capers, and anchovy fillets (if using) into a smooth paste. Stir in the lemon juice, light mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk everything until the dressing is wonderfully smooth and creamy. Pop it in the fridge while you finish the rest!
- 3. Toast the breadcrumbs: Take your torn bread pieces and toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 35-45 minutes, or until they're golden and crispy. Let them cool slightly, then crush them or pulse them in a food processor into coarse, crunchy breadcrumbs.
- 4. Dress the kale: Pour the delicious homemade dressing over your massaged kale. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every single leaf is coated in that creamy goodness.
- 5. Plate and top: Transfer the dressed kale to your favorite serving bowl or individual plates. Now for the magic: generously sprinkle a thick layer of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, making it look like a snowy blanket. Then, pile on those irresistible crunchy breadcrumbs.
- 6. Finish and serve: For a final touch, add a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper and an optional light drizzle of the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Serve this amazing salad immediately to enjoy all the crisp textures and fresh flavors!
Notes
This amazing Summer Kale Caesar Crunch Salad is perfect for your #SummerSaladGoals! It's #HealthyCaesar and provides that satisfying #KaleCrush. It's truly #FreshAndLight.
Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 495kcal
Total Carbs: 34g (Net Carbs: 29g)
Fats: 35g
Protein: 13g
Calories: 495kcal
Total Carbs: 34g (Net Carbs: 29g)
Fats: 35g
Protein: 13g
