Change up a classic caesar salad and use baby kale in place of romaine lettuce for a healthy kale caesar salad.

Here is what you will need to make healthy kale caesar salad
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This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this recipe, scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and instructions.
- Kale
- Onion
- Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
- Avocado
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded)
- Croutons (homemade or store bought)
- Salad bowl
- Cheese grater
- Garlic crusher
Many caesar salad recipes are more about the dressing than they are the greens.They are drenched in dressing made with mayonnaise and cheese.
This recipe on the other hand is a much healthier version. Avocado adds a creamy base and when it's blended with garlic, cheese and lemon, it's just as good as the mayo filled dressings and much better for you.
Top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a full and satisfying dinner.
Tips
How to select kale for a salad
I like to make kale salads in the early spring when baby kale is in season. It's tender and tastes so fresh. If baby kale is not available, Russian, lacinato or curly kale will work too. When selecting kale, look for small and tender leaves that are brightly colored and not wilted.
How to prepare kale
Kale is not as tender as lettuce so it's best to cut it into small pieces when serving it raw. If you are using baby kale, roll a few leaves up and use a sharp knife to cut the kale into ribbons.
If the kale is older and not as tender remove the center stem from the leaves, then roll them up and slice into ribbons with a sharp knife.
Make ahead tips
- Make Kale caesar salad ahead of time. Prepare the kale and onions and place them into a covered bowl and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Top the salad with cheese and add the dressing before serving.
- Make the dressing up to an hour before serving and add it to the salad.
- To avoid soggy croutons add them just before serving the salad.
Storage
Store leftover kale caesar salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve kale caesar salad with just about any entree such as white bean soup, grilled pork chops, or grilled chicken.
Variations
- Instead of an all kale salad, use ½ romaine and ½ kale.
- Add a slice or two of cooked crumbled bacon..
- Add 3 to 4 sliced mushrooms.
- Add ½ teaspoon of dijon mustard or worcestershire sauce to the dressing.
- Toss in chopped walnuts, almonds or pumpkin seeds.
- For a vegan version substitute the cheese with an equal amount of nutritional yeast.
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- Baby Arugula Salad with Pistachios
Healthy Kale Caesar Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Change up a classic salad and use baby kale in place of the romaine lettuce for a healthy kale caesar salad.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 ounces of baby, lacinato or curly kale
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablepoon olive oil
- ¼ of an avocado
- 1 clove of garlic - crushed
- parmesan cheese (approximately 3 oz. use more or less to your preference)
- croutons
Instructions
- rinse, dry and cut the kale into ribbons and place it into a salad bowl
- chop the onions and add them to the bowl with the kale
- place the avocado into a bowl or small jar and mash it up with a fork
- use a garlic crusher to crush the garlic and add it to the avocado
- add the olive oil and lemon juice and whisk with a fork or shake it up in a jar
- shred the parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the salad and add the dressing
- add the croutons and serve
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 344Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 283mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 16gSugar: 10gProtein: 15g
Nutrition information is provided by an online calculator and is meant to be used for informational purposes only. Even though I try to provide accurate information, these figures should still be considered as estimates.
Laura says
My daughter and daughter-in-law are going to love this recipe.
Anne says
I hope they do!
Terri says
Can't wait to try this - so much more nutrients that in your typical caesar salad!
Anne says
enjoy~
Sue Ringsdorf says
I'm a BIG fan of kale now, and can't get enough of it. Bookmarking this one for a new spin on my classic!
Anne says
I hope you like it!
Ariella says
Such a great idea to put the avocado into the dressing.
Anne says
Tha ks Ariella!
Carlos at Spoonabilities says
I love anything with avocado and this salad won my stomach/Heart:).
Anne says
Thanks Carlos!
Eileen Kelly says
This Kale Caesar Salad is light and fresh. A wonderful satisfying salad. I will be having this for lunch often. Using kale instead of romaine is a great choice for a healthy salad too.
colleen kennedy says
Loved this salad! I am a big fan of kale both raw and cooked!