What ingredients do I need to make Roasted Garlic Kale Caesar Salad?

To make Roasted Garlic Kale Caesar Salad, you will need fresh kale, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, anchovy paste or fillets (optional), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and croutons. Roasting the garlic softens its flavor, which pairs well with the earthy kale and tangy Caesar dressing ingredients. Freshly grated Parmesan and homemade or store-bought croutons complete the texture and taste.

How do I roast garlic for the kale Caesar salad?

To roast garlic, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of a whole garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze the garlic out of the skins and mash it before adding to your Caesar dressing. Roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet flavor that balances the bitterness of kale.

Can I make Roasted Garlic Kale Caesar Salad vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this salad vegan or dairy-free by substituting Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. Replace anchovy paste with capers or omit it entirely to keep the umami flavor. Use a dairy-free mayonnaise or avocado for creaminess in the dressing. Ensure your croutons are free of butter or cheese, or use homemade versions made with olive oil.

What is the best way to massage kale for a Caesar salad?

Massaging kale helps soften the tough leaves for better texture in salads. To do this, remove the kale stems and tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt over the leaves and rub them gently with your hands for 2-3 minutes until the leaves darken and become tender. This step reduces bitterness and makes the kale easier to eat, enhancing your Caesar salad experience.

How long can I store Roasted Garlic Kale Caesar Salad in the fridge?

Roasted Garlic Kale Caesar Salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the kale from wilting. If the salad has been dressed, expect some softening of the kale, but it usually stays flavorful within this time. Always check for freshness before consuming.

Roasted Garlic Kale Caesar Salad Recipe With Homemade Dressing

Ingredients

– 2 heads garlic

– Olive oil (as needed)

– Kosher salt (as needed)

– ¾ lb raw sliced bacon

– ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

– 3 anchovy fillets packed in oil (drained)

– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 cup olive oil

– Freshly cracked black pepper (as needed)

– 1 bunch (6-7 large leaves) Lacinato kale (stemmed, rinsed, dried)

– ½ lb crusty Italian bread (torn into ½ inch pieces)

– 3 hearts of romaine (trimmed, rinsed, dried)

– 1 small chunk Parmesan cheese (shaved for topping)

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Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the garlic cloves for about 20 minutes until they turn soft and caramelized. This step brings out a sweet flavor that makes the whole salad special. While the garlic roasts, take a moment to wash and dry the kale, removing stems and chopping the leaves into bite-sized pieces for even coating later.

2-Next, prepare the dressing by blending the roasted garlic with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy fillets, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture ties everything together with its tangy kick.

3-Then, massage the chopped kale gently with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes to soften it, which helps reduce any bitterness and makes the leaves more enjoyable.

4-After that, toss the massaged kale with the dressing, ensuring every piece is covered for maximum flavor. Add the torn bread pieces and mix well to incorporate crunch. Finally, include the romaine hearts and top with shaved Parmesan before serving. For a twist, try incorporating ideas from other recipes like our vibrant rhubarb salad, which adds a fresh angle to greens.

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Notes

🧄 Roasting garlic mellows its flavor, adding richness to the salad.
🥓 Crisp bacon adds a savory, crunchy texture complementing the kale.
🥬 Massaging the kale softens it, making it easier to eat and enhancing flavor absorption.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Roasting Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Roasting, Cooking, Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-free option available

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving