20 Minute Kale Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

Name: 20 Minute Kale Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 large bunch lacinato kale, finely chopped; Drizzle of olive oil; ¼ cup fresh parmesan cheese; 2-3 large slices of sourdough bread or any crusty bread; 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; Pepper; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce; 1 garlic clove, minced; juice of ½ lime; 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper; ½ cup avocado oil (can also use olive oil)

by Laney Schwartz on Apr 24, 2023 (updated Jun 17, 2024) 2 comments

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Try making this Kale Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons! With fresh kale, crispy croutons, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is the perfect way to add fresh leafy greens to your meal rotation!

kale caesar salad in a bowl with croutons and cheese on top

If you love my classic Caesar Salad recipe, then you’re gonna love this too! Luckily, making kale into a Caesar salad adds a fresh and delicious twist. The slight bitterness of the kale complements the creamy and tangy flavors of the Caesar dressing, creating a well-balanced and delicious taste. Plus, the texture of the kale is perfect for a salad because it’s firm enough to hold up against the dressing but softens slightly when massaged, making it easy to eat and enjoy.

Let’s not forget about the homemade croutons and Caesar dressing – they truly take this salad to the next level. The homemade croutons are incredibly easy to make and add the perfect crunch to each bite of the salad. With a simple mix of olive oil, salt, and pepper, they bake up golden brown and crispy, providing the perfect contrast to the soft and chewy kale.

If you can’t get enough of caesar salad things in general, then you should check out my Shredded Chicken Avocado Caesar Wraps as well!

The homemade Caesar dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, dijon mustard, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh garlic. It’s creamy and tangy, with just the right amount of zing from the lime juice and black pepper. It’s a dressing you’ll want to put on everything!

Enjoy this kale salad alongside a Perfect Steak as a side dish, or top it with Grilled Chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The crispy homemade croutons add a perfect crunch to every bite, while the tangy homemade Caesar dressing ties everything together in a delicious burst of flavor.
It’s made from simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store.
This easy kale salad recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

bowls of foods like chopped kale, olive oil, parmesan and lemon juice

sourdough, oil, salt and pepper on a grey board

Lacinato Kale – Also known as dinosaur kale. The thickness of the kale leaves allows them to hold up well to the dressing without wilting or getting soggy.
Olive Oil – Adds richness and fruity flavor to the salad while also working as a coating for the croutons, helping them to crisp up when toasted.
Parmesan Cheese -Adds depth of flavor and creaminess to the salad. It helps balance the bitterness of the kale and complements the other ingredients in the dish.
Sourdough Bread is a dense and chewy bread that is perfect for making croutons. It has a mild sour taste that adds flavor to the croutons. When tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, it creates a crispy and golden-brown crust, giving the salad texture and crunch.
Salt & Pepper – Both are used to balance and enhance the natural flavor of the kale and croutons.

For the dressing:

Mayonnaise – Makes up the base of the dressing, providing a rich and creamy texture.
Dijon Mustard – Adds a pungent and sharp flavor to the dressing. It also helps to emulsify, creating a smooth and consistent texture.
Rice Vinegar – A mild and slightly sweet vinegar that adds acidity to the dressing, balancing out the richness of the mayonnaise and avocado oil.
Worcestershire Sauce -Adds a salty and umami depth of flavor to the dressing.
Minced Garlic – Adds an aromatic garlic flavor throughout the dressing that pairs well with the bitter leafy green.
Lime Juice – A tangy and citrusy ingredient that adds a bright and fresh flavor throughout the dressing.
Black Pepper– Adds a light heat and enhances the natural flavors of the kale and other ingredients.
Avocado Oil – Adds richness and a fruity flavor to the dressing, along with a smooth and creamy texture.

How To Make Kale Caesar Salad with Croutons

sourdough cubes on a sheet pan — Drizzle bread with olive and sprinkle with salt and pepper

two hands holding bread cubes — Use hands to massage oil and spices into the bread cubes

crispy croutons on a sheet pan — Bake until golden and crispy

Make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the sourdough bread into cubes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the bread cubes, then season them with salt and pepper. Toss the croutons until evenly coated. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

two hands tossing dressing into kale — Massage kale with olive oil

caesar dressing in a bowl with a whisk — Whisk ingredients for the dressing

Prepare the kale: Remove the thick stems and discard. Thinly slice the kale leaves into small ribbons and place them in a large bowl.

Massage the kale: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the chopped kale. Using your hands, massage the kale for about 1-2 minutes or until it becomes slightly wilted and tender.

Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lime juice, pepper, and oil until well combined.

Assemble the kale salad: Drizzle the massaged kale with dressing and toss. Finish with parmesan cheese and croutons. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Lacinato kale can be tough and chewy, but massaging it with a bit of olive oil can help to break it down and make it more tender. Add a small amount of olive oil to the kale and massage it gently with your hands for a few minutes. You want the kale to be wilted down but not soggy.
When making the croutons, be sure to cut the bread into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
If the dressing is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or additional lime juice. If the dressing is too thin, you can add more mayonnaise or avocado oil to thicken it up.

Variations

Use different greens: If you don’t have Lacinato kale, you can substitute with curly kale, baby spinach, or mixed greens for a different flavor and texture.
Switch up the cheese: Instead of parmesan, try using feta or goat cheese for a tangy and creamy flavor.
Add some crunch: You can add additional toppings for crunch, such as sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Spice it up: For a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dressing or sprinkle on top of the salad. You can also add some sliced jalapenos or pickled peppers for extra heat.

Storage

How to store kale Caesar salad: This salad is best when served immediately. If you have any leftovers, store the salad in the refrigerator. Transfer the salad to an airtight container to help keep it fresh and store for 1-2 days.

Any extra Caesar dressing can be stored in an airtight container or jar with a sealed lid for up to 10 days.

FAQ

What is the difference between lacinato kale and curly kale?

Lacinato kale has a smoother and milder taste, while curly kale is more bitter and has a tougher texture. Depending on the recipe and personal preference, either type of kale can be used in a recipe.