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Crispy Lemon Kale Caesar Salad Recipe

Crispy Lemon Kale Caesar Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Zesty lemon kale caesar salad brings Mediterranean freshness to classic comfort cuisine. Crisp greens and tangy dressing create a nutrient-packed meal you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed and chopped (about 6 cups)
  • ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tbsps parmesan cheese, grated
  • 12 tbsps water
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Massage Preparation: Tenderly transform kale leaves by kneading with olive oil and salt, using fingertips to break down fibers for 2-3 minutes until leaves soften, darken, and become silky smooth.
  2. Dressing Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese into a creamy, zesty emulsion. Adjust consistency with water, then season with salt and black pepper to create a perfectly balanced dressing.
  3. Assembly and Finishing: Drizzle the velvety dressing over massaged kale, thoroughly coating each leaf with tongs. Scatter crisp croutons across the salad for delightful crunch, then crown with delicate Parmesan shavings and a final pepper grind. Serve immediately or chill briefly to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

  • Massage Kale Thoroughly: Spend 2-3 minutes working olive oil into kale leaves to break down tough fibers, transforming texture from rough to silky and enhancing digestibility.
  • Balance Dressing Consistency: Adjust liquid ingredients carefully to prevent dressing from becoming too runny or thick, using small water increments for perfect coating.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter version or use vegan mayonnaise for plant-based alternative; replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.
  • Optimize Flavor Timing: Dress kale just before serving to maintain crouton crispness and prevent leaves from becoming soggy, ensuring maximum texture and taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg