Kale Caesar with Sourdough Croutons
A sturdier take on the classic: torn kale and crisp romaine massaged with a garlicky anchovy dressing, then tossed with craggy sourdough croutons fried in olive oil. It holds up beautifully on a table, so you can dress it before your guests arrive.
- Course
- Side Dish
- Cuisine
- American
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 10 min
- Total Time
- 25 min
Recipe Card
Kale Caesar with Sourdough Croutons
★ 4.7 · By Marguerite Hale
- Course
- Side Dish
- Cuisine
- American
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 10 min
- Total Time
- 25 min
Ingredients
- 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed and torn
- 1 head romaine, chopped
- 4 cups torn sourdough bread
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4 anchovy fillets
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- 1
Fry the torn sourdough in olive oil over medium heat, turning often, until the pieces are golden and crisp at the edges but still chewy in the middle. Salt them while hot.
- 2
Mash the anchovies and garlic into a paste, then whisk in the egg yolk, mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- 3
Stream in the remaining olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing thickens, then stir in half the Parmesan and season with black pepper.
- 4
Massage the kale with a spoonful of dressing for a minute to soften it, then add the romaine and toss everything together.
- 5
Fold in the croutons at the last moment, finish with the remaining Parmesan, and serve while the bread is still crunchy.
Nutrition
Estimated per serving (4 servings per recipe).
Tip: Can I make this without raw egg yolk?
Yes — whisk two tablespoons of good mayonnaise in place of the yolk. The dressing emulsifies just as reliably and keeps a day longer in the fridge.
Variation Ideas
- Shave raw brussels sprouts into the mix for extra body.
- Add white beans to turn the salad into a light main.
- Grill the romaine halves before chopping for a smoky edge.
- Skip the anchovies and use white miso for a vegetarian version.
How long will this salad last?
Dressed kale holds for a day in the fridge, though the croutons soften. Keep dressing and croutons separate and everything stays good for 4 days.
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