#15 in my '100 30 Minute Meals' series is this savory, nutritious Kale Caesar Salad. Made with nutrient-dense kale, salty shaved Parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing. For a crunchy, savory bonus, add crumbled crispy slices of prosciutto to take this salad to the next level.
Why You'll Love this Kale Caesar Salad:
- It comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Great for any time of day. Pair this salad with an omelette for a bistro-style breakfast, have it as a quick and nutritious lunch, or pair it with fish or chicken for dinner.
- It feels a little fancy, from the comfort of your home and without the cost of a restaurant.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- Kale: This nutrient-dense green is roughly chopped and massaged so that it is tender.
- Shaved Parmesan Cheese: The classic cheese for a Caesar salad. Salty, nutty, and creamy. (Also, my cat Fat baby's favorite cheese tax)
- Homemade Quick Croutons: Your favorite bread torn into small pieces, tossed with olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Baked until crisp on the outside yet tender on the inside.
- Caesar Dressing: This dressing is full of tangy, umami flavors. Our favorite, and the dressing I used for this recipe, is the Ken's Light Caesar Dressing. It is made without the cream but still have all of the wonderful Caesar flavor.
- Prosciutto (Optional): Although this ingredient isn't traditional to a Caesar salad, I love adding crisp prosciutto for added crunch and savory flavor.
Dietary Swaps:
- Gluten-Free: For the croutons, use your favorite gluten-free bread. Also, ensure your Caesar dressing is labeled gluten-free as some contain wheat fillers.
- Dairy-Free/Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap both the cheese and the dressing for dairy-free version as both contain dairy and animal by-products. Also, omit the optional prosciutto if vegetarian or vegan.
- Low-Carb: Skip the croutons and add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Recipe Variations:
- Make it a Chicken Caesar, by adding shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Use a mix of greens. Rather than just kale, use a mix such as chopped romaine lettuce, baby spinach, endive, or arugula.
- Add more nutrients, with chickpeas, chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped nuts.
Tips & Notes:
- Massage the kale before mixing it with the other ingredients. Massaging the kale breaks down the tough fibers and makes it not only easier to digest but also much more pleasant to eat raw.
- My favorite Caesar dressing is the Ken's Steakhouse Lite Caesar, which is made without the usual cream but is still zesty and flavorful.
- If making ahead of time, store the salad and the croutons separately. Dress the salad and top with croutons when ready to eat.
- Once salad is dressed and croutons are added, consume within a day.
More 30 Minute Meals You Will Love:
- Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
- Mediterranean Pasta & Kale Salad with Garlic Basil Dressing
- Kale and Chickpea Salad
- Caesar Pasta Salad with Bacon
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon
- Portillo's Chopped Salad (The Best Copycat Recipe)
Recipe
Kale Caesar Salad
Made with nutrient-dense kale, salty shaved Parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing. For a crunchy, savory bonus, add crumbled crispy slices of prosciutto to take this salad to the next level.
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups chopped kale washed, dried, stems removed
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- (Optional) 4-5 slices prosciutto
Homemade Croutons:
- 1-2 slices bread torn into small pieces
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Tear bread into bite-size pieces and place on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- (If making crispy prosciutto) Push bread to one side of the pan. Lay prosciutto slices on the other side of the same baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until prosciutto is crisp. Transfer prosciutto to a plate to cool.
- Toss the croutons and return them to the oven for 3-8 more minutes (15-20 minutes total), or until golden and crisp.
- While toppings bake, prepare the kale: roughly chop, then massage for 1-2 minutes until tender.
- Add kale to a large bowl with Parmesan and Caesar dressing. Toss well to coat.
- Crumble cooled prosciutto (if using) and add to the salad.
- Top with homemade croutons and serve.
Notes
- Massage the kale before mixing it with the other ingredients. Massaging the kale breaks down the tough fibers and makes it not only easier to digest but also much more pleasant to eat raw.
- My favorite Caesar dressing is the Ken's Steakhouse Lite Caesar, which is made without the usual cream but is still zesty and flavorful.
- If making ahead of time, store the salad and the croutons separately. Dress the salad and top with croutons when ready to eat.
- Once salad is dressed and croutons are added, consume within a day.
- Nutrition values are an estimate only.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 11gFat: 19gFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
Tried this Kale Caesar Salad? I'd love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover this easy 30 minute meal. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Subscribe to my newsletter more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Must Love Garlic says
This salad is easy, flavorful, and nutritious.