Lemon Kale Caesar Salad Recipe
This Lemon Kale Caesar Salad combines crisp, finely shredded kale with a tangy lemon Caesar dressing and homemade crispy sourdough croutons. The dressing is creamy with a hint of garlic and freshly grated parmesan, perfectly massaged into the kale for a flavorful, healthy salad ideal for a light lunch or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large slices sourdough bread
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bunch curly kale (about 8oz)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Lemon Caesar Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, grated or minced
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the Croutons: Cut sourdough bread into small cubes. Toss them in olive oil and season with a pinch of salt. Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and toast the cubed bread until golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Prepare Crouton Pieces: Remove the toasted croutons from the pan and let them cool. Use a sharp knife to chop them into even smaller bite-sized pieces.
- Shred the Kale: Chop the kale finely until it is finely shredded. Transfer the kale to a large mixing bowl for easy tossing with the dressing.
- Make the Lemon Caesar Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, garlic, dijon mustard, and black pepper until fully combined. While whisking briskly, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream to emulsify the dressing.
- Massage the Dressing into the Kale: Pour the prepared dressing over the shredded kale. Using your hands, massage the dressing deeply into the kale to soften the leaves and distribute flavor evenly.
- Toss and Serve: Add the chopped croutons, lemon zest, and freshly grated parmesan cheese into the salad. Toss everything together gently and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can use any type of kale you prefer, such as curly kale, Tuscan kale, or baby kale.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese provides better flavor than pre-grated substitutes.
- Any bread, such as Italian or multigrain, can be used for making croutons, though sourdough is preferred.
Keywords: Lemon Kale Caesar Salad, kale salad, lemon Caesar dressing, homemade croutons, healthy salad, vegetarian
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/lemon-kale-caesar-salad-recipe/
