Kale Caesar Salad featuring farm fresh kale or other salad greens that was crafted by our friend Kamea Black of Tasty Salty Real. There’s something timeless about a well-made Caesar salad, and the key to its iconic flavor lies in the dressing. Kamea’s Caesar salad dressing recipe is rich, tangy, and packed with umami goodness, perfect for drizzling over crisp greens or massaged kale. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version with anchovies or opting for a vegan twist with nori and miso, this dressing is sure to elevate any salad. Watch Kamea’s recipe video below to see exactly how she prepares this Small Acres Kale Caesar Salad.

Recipe Video

Ingredients:

Kale and other leafy greens: Prepared just they way you like your salad greens and fresh from your CSA box or farmers market. Add other crunchy vegetables from your box like radishes or even snap peas.
Dressing: garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, mustard, anchovy (vegan modification: nori or miso), salt & pepper

Steps to Culinary Bliss:

Step 1: Blend the Dressing

Making this Caesar dressing is incredibly simple. Start by blending the garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, stone-ground mustard, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender until smooth. If you’re using anchovies, add them in at this stage for that classic Caesar flavor. The anchovies (or anchovy paste) provide a rich, savory depth that’s essential to the traditional Caesar dressing.

For those opting for the vegan version, swap out the anchovies for crushed nori and miso paste. The nori gives a subtle seaweed flavor that mimics the umami notes of anchovies, while the miso paste adds a savory depth that rounds out the dressing beautifully.

Step 2: Store the Dressing

Once blended, your dressing is ready to go! Transfer it to a jar or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This Caesar dressing will keep for up to two weeks, so you can have it on hand for quick and easy salads anytime.

Step 3: Prepare Your Greens

Caesar salad is traditionally made with romaine lettuce, known for its crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor. However, kale is an excellent alternative that adds a nutritious twist to the classic salad.

  • Baby Kale: If you’re using baby kale, simply wash the leaves and remove the stems. Baby kale is tender and doesn’t require much prep, making it a quick and easy option.
  • Mature Kale: As the season progresses, kale leaves can become tougher. To tenderize them, wash and remove the stems, then give the leaves a good massage with a little olive oil and salt. This helps break down the fibers, making the kale softer and more enjoyable to eat. You can also roll and slice the kale into thin strips for easier eating.

For a more traditional Caesar experience, consider mixing your kale with romaine lettuce. A 50/50 blend will give you the best of both worlds: the heartiness of kale and the classic crunch of romaine.

Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy

Now that your dressing is ready and your greens are prepped, it’s time to assemble your Caesar salad. Toss the greens in your homemade dressing, making sure every leaf is well-coated. Top it off with some fresh cut vegetables like radish or snap peas for even more flavor and crunch.

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the dressing perfectly.
  • Croutons: For a classic crunch, toss in some croutons.
  • Grilled Chicken or Tofu: Turn your Caesar salad into a full meal by adding a protein of your choice.
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