Kale Caesar Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4–8

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 bunch fresh kale, hard stems removed and finely chopped (about 8 cups loosely packed)
• ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• Homemade or store-bought croutons, optional

For the Caesar Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 1 teaspoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional flavor boost: Add one of the following to the dressing:

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon anchovy paste
• ½ teaspoon fish sauce

Instructions

1. Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Place the chopped kale in a large salad bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, or fish sauce if desired.
4. Pour the dressing over the kale. Using clean hands or salad tongs, massage and toss the kale until it is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Top with shaved Parmesan and croutons.
6. Serve immediately.

Tip: The kale becomes more tender and flavorful as you massage the dressing into the leaves.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If using croutons, store them separately so they remain crunchy.