There are very few times I crave salad as a meal and not just a side, but this salad can pass as both. If you use as a side salad, I like it with chicken or porkchops from the grill. I typically do massage the kale prior to dressing, because it helps it loosen up and release some of the bitter flavor that can be associated with the greens. I like to include some anchovy in my Caesar dressing, but there are lots who don’t love the taste so I typically skip if I’m making it for a group. You’ll also notice I love toasted breadcrumbs on almost any salad – so take that as you will.
Kale Caesar with Apples
Servings: 2 (for dinner salad, 3-4 for side salad)
- 1 bunch kale (I use Dinosaur Kale)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 Honey Crisp apple, chopped into thin slices
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- shaved Parmesan from a block
- Salt and pepper
- Croutons (optional)
- Chopped almonds (optional)
Caesar Dressing
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (light olive oil, you don't want it to overpower the taste of the dressing. Vegetable oil works here, too)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan (from the hunk)
- 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
Chop up anchovy fillets (if using) into tiny pieces in a small bowl (aren't I so technical with my cooking instructions?)
Add garlic, egg yolk, lemon juice, mustard, and salt and pepper into the bowl and whisk together
Add olive oil and whisk until the dressing is smooth
Stir in Parmesan and season with more salt and pepper
Massage the kale by adding a little olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using your hands, grab the kale and massage with your fingertips until oil is thoroughly coating the kale (you don't want it to be soggy with oil, just lightly coated)
Make the breadcrumbs by melting butter on a small pan. Add breadcrumbs and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring often so the breadcrumbs don't burn
Top the kale with apples, breadcrumbs, shaved Parmesan, and croutons & almonds if using
