Kale Caesar Salad with Bacon Croutons and Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This Kale Caesar Salad offers a fresh twist on the classic favorite by using hearty Lacinato kale and crispy bacon croutons. It’s packed with flavor and perfect as a side or a light main when paired with your favorite protein.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale (Lacinato/dinosaur/tuscan), stem removed and finely chopped
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly shaved
- 4 tbsp Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing
- 6 pieces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1” pieces (or replace with 3 tbsp unsalted butter)
- 1 ½ cups bread, torn into smaller pieces
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the stems from the kale. Rinse the leaves and pat dry or spin them in a salad spinner.
- Step 2: Slice the kale into ¼ inch pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Step 3: In a pan, cook the bacon pieces until crisp. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Step 4: Using the same pan with the bacon fat, cook the torn bread pieces until toasted and browned. Stir frequently to coat the bread evenly. If you prefer, use unsalted butter instead of bacon fat.
- Step 5: Pour the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing over the kale. Massage the leaves gently with your hands until they start to wilt and soften. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the dressing.
- Step 6: Transfer the dressed kale to a serving platter. Top with the crispy bacon, toasted croutons, and freshly shaved parmesan. Serve and enjoy with your favorite protein.
Tips & Variations
- Use stale bread for croutons—they’ll toast up crispier and hold their texture better.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and use butter or olive oil for toasting the bread.
- Massage the kale thoroughly to break down its toughness and make it more tender and easier to eat.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the salad before serving.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep bacon and croutons separate to maintain their crispness and add just before serving. Reheat croutons briefly in the oven or toaster oven; kale salad is best eaten fresh and not reheated.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use another type of kale?
Yes, but Lacinato kale is preferred for its tenderness and flavor. Curly kale works but may be tougher, so massage it well to soften.
How do I make Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing?
Classic Caesar dressing includes ingredients like garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, egg yolk, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. For a detailed recipe, check out reliable sources or a dedicated Caesar dressing recipe online.
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Kale Caesar Salad with Bacon Croutons and Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Kale Caesar Salad recipe combines hearty Lacinato kale with crispy bacon croutons, freshly shaved parmesan, and a rich classic homemade Caesar dressing. The kale is massaged with dressing to soften its texture, then topped with savory bacon and toasted bread croutons for a deliciously flavorful and satisfying salad, perfect as a side or light main dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 bunch Lacinato (dinosaur/tuscan) kale, stem removed and finely chopped
- ¼ cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing
Bacon Croutons
- 6 pieces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (or substitute with 3 tbsp unsalted butter)
- 1½ cups bread, torn into smaller pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Remove the stems from the kale, rinse thoroughly, and dry using a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Slice the kale into about ¼-inch wide pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook the Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crisped to your liking. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Make the Croutons: In the same pan with the bacon fat, add the torn bread pieces. Toast and brown them evenly, tossing often to ensure all pieces are coated with the flavorful bacon fat. Alternatively, if you avoid bacon, cook the bread pieces with unsalted butter instead.
- Dress and Massage the Kale: Pour the Classic Homemade Caesar Dressing over the chopped kale. Using your hands, massage the dressing into the kale leaves until they start to wilt and soften. Let the dressed kale sit for 5 to 10 minutes to fully absorb the flavors and tenderize the leaves.
- Assemble the Salad: Transfer the dressed kale to a serving platter. Top with the crispy bacon pieces, toasted croutons, and freshly shaved parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, optionally alongside your favorite protein to complete the meal.
Notes
- Massaging the kale with dressing softens its tough texture, making it more enjoyable to eat.
- Using Lacinato kale is preferred due to its tender leaves and mild flavor.
- You can substitute bacon with unsalted butter for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Allowing the salad to rest after dressing enhances the flavor absorption.
- Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Kale Caesar Salad, Caesar Dressing, Bacon Croutons, Healthy Salad, Lacinato Kale Recipe, Homemade Salad Dressing
