Chopped Kale Caesar Salad

Chopped Kale Caesar Salad

A visit to Bryan Voltaggio's Family Meal in Frederick, Maryland last weekend was all the inspiration I needed to make this variation of the ever popular Caesar Salad.  I love the idea of making this salad with kale instead of romaine!  It definitely adds some extra vitamins and minerals.  Okay, so I adore this homemade dressing! You've gotta have some great dressing to go with all that kale, right?  Well this is it!  I love the dressing without the mayonnaise, it makes a lighter dressing without sacrificing flavor.  But if you like the more traditional creamy Caesar dressing, simply add the mayonnaise.   These homemade croutons are definitely a cut above store bought ones, but if you are short of time or ingredients just pick some up at the store. Enjoy!  

pretty salad bowl full of chopped kale

 (cut tough stems off kale before chopping into rather small pieces)

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

fine ground Parmesan cheese

Add some grilled chicken, cut into thin strips if desired

Flavorful Caesar Salad Dressing

This Caesar dressing is so good you’ll be tempted to lick your plate clean!  For a more traditional and creamy Caesar Dressing simply add ½ cup mayonnaise.

1/3 cup water

1 ½ lemons juiced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoons sugar

6 cloves garlic

1/2 cup fine ground Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional)

Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.  Pour over Caesar Salad add croutons and toss.  Place fine ground Parmesan cheese in a sifter and sift over the salad. Serve immediately.

Homemade Croutons

4 slices day-old bread of any kind, cubed (I love to use day- old baguettes)

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons herbs de Provence or Tuscan herb mix

½ cup fine ground Parmesan or Romano cheese

coarse salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

In large skillet, sauté bread in oil and butter, stirring frequently until browned.  Add herbs and garlic and sauté a few more minutes. Transfer bread cubes to bowl and stir in Parmesan cheese.  Toss in Caesar Salad just before serving.