Description
A flavorful and healthy Kale Caesar Salad featuring crispy homemade croutons, fresh cherry tomatoes, shallots, and a creamy Caesar dressing, perfect for a satisfying lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Croutons
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 slices day-old Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
For the Salad
- 1 large bunch curly kale, tough stems removed and chopped
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the flavored oil and garlic: Coat a large frying pan with olive oil. Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and sea salt. Heat over medium for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the croutons: Add the cubed bread to the pan and stir with a wooden spoon, coating each piece in the flavored oil. Continue frying until the bread cubes soak up the oil and become golden, crispy, and browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Massage the kale: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Pour the Caesar dressing over the kale and gently massage with your hands for about 1 minute to soften the leaves and thoroughly coat them with dressing.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced shallots, shredded/shaved Parmesan, grated Parmesan cheese, and the prepared croutons into the kale.
- Serve and enjoy: Toss everything again lightly and serve immediately to enjoy a fresh and crunchy Kale Caesar Salad.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for the crunchiest croutons.
- Massage the kale thoroughly to avoid tough, chewy leaves.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your spice preference.
- To make this vegetarian, use a vegetarian-friendly Caesar dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh for optimal crispness.
