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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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