Kale Caesar Salad with Chicken
A modern twist on a classic! Tender grilled chicken and hearty kale are tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. It's a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Pat the chicken breasts dry and season all over with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- 2
Step 2
- a.While the chicken cooks, wash the kale, remove the tough stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes until it softens and turns a brighter green.
- 3
Step 3
- a.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, anchovy paste, minced garlic, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining 0.25 tsp black pepper. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1 tbsp of water or olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 4
Slice the rested chicken into strips
- a.Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the massaged kale and toss well to coat. Add the sliced chicken, croutons, and the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese to the bowl. Toss gently one more time, add more dressing if desired, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Massaging the kale with olive oil is a crucial step to break down its tough fibers and make it tender and more pleasant to eat.
- 2Don't skip the anchovy paste! It provides the classic umami flavor of Caesar dressing. If you're hesitant, start with a smaller amount.
- 3Let the chicken rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
- 4For the best texture, add the croutons just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- 5The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- 6For an extra layer of flavor, use shaved parmesan cheese in addition to the grated parmesan.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use certified gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
dairy freeDairy free
Substitute the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast. Check that your mayonnaise is dairy-free.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and anchovy paste. Add a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or some crispy baked tofu for protein.
quickQuick
Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken and a good quality bottled Caesar dressing.
healthyHealthy
For a lighter dressing, replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.