Description
Ready in just 15 minutes, this Easy Kale Caesar Salad is your new go-to for a quick lunch, healthy snack, or easy dinner idea. Packed with nutrient-rich Tuscan kale, crunchy homemade croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing, this salad is bold, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re looking for fresh food ideas or crave a healthy twist on a classic, this easy recipe will quickly become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients
1 large bunch Tuscan kale, stems removed and leaves finely chopped
1 cup croutons
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Optional: 1 anchovy fillet, minced
Instructions
1. Wash kale thoroughly and dry using a salad spinner. Remove tough stems and slice leaves into thin ribbons.
2. Add kale to a large bowl, drizzle with a bit of lemon juice or olive oil, and massage for 1–2 minutes until softened.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, Worcestershire, garlic, grated parmesan, and anchovy if using. Season to taste.
4. If making croutons from scratch, cube bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
5. Pour dressing over the kale and toss well to coat. Add croutons and 1/2 cup grated parmesan and toss again.
6. Garnish with extra parmesan and black pepper before serving. Optionally add grilled chicken or egg for a fuller meal.
Notes
Massage the kale to improve its flavor and texture—it makes a big difference.
Store croutons separately if meal prepping to maintain crunch.
Freshly grated parmesan gives better texture and richness than pre-shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook / Toast (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: kale Caesar salad, easy dinner, quick salad, healthy snack, lunch salad, food ideas