This Kale Caesar Salad is ideal as a main course or a side. It’s quick to prepare and comes together in about 10 minutes.
Summer is here, and I’m all about fresh, healthy ingredients. This Kale Caesar Salad swaps some of the classic elements for kale and ripe avocado to create a lighter, satisfying version of the traditional Caesar. Topped with homemade croutons, shaved Parmesan and a simple Caesar dressing, it’s a versatile recipe that works as a quick main, a side dish, or a contribution to picnics and potlucks.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting the Parmesan and choosing a dairy-free dressing. Everything comes together in about 10 minutes, and many components (like the greens and croutons) can be prepped ahead to save time.
This Kale Caesar is paired with fresh avocados for a contemporary twist on the classic.
Kitchen Tools
- A large prep bowl
- A knife and cutting board
- Salad tossers
Ingredients
- Kale and romaine lettuce: A 50/50 mix works well, but you can adjust the ratio or substitute other greens such as spinach or chard. Different greens will change the flavor and texture slightly.
- Avocados: Ripe but firm for best texture.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese: Use block Parmesan and shave or grate it fresh for the best flavor.
- Croutons: Homemade croutons are recommended for flavor and texture, but store-bought croutons work too.
- Caesar dressing: Use your favorite store-bought dressing, make a classic dressing at home, or choose a vegan alternative if desired.
Other Simple Salads
BBQ Chicken Salad • Grilled Peach Salad • Apple Spinach Salad
How to Make the Kale Caesar Salad
Follow these four simple steps to prepare the salad. It’s healthy, fast, and easy to scale. To turn it into a heartier main, add sliced grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
- Prep the greens: Wash, dry, and chop the kale and romaine. You can do this the day before and keep the chopped greens refrigerated.
- Prepare the avocado: Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and cut the flesh into roughly 1/2-inch chunks.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, add the chopped greens, avocado pieces, shaved Parmesan, and croutons. Toss gently with salad tossers to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Finish and serve: Serve with Caesar dressing on the side or drizzle and toss just before serving. Enjoy immediately.
Tips and Tricks
Keep greens fresh: If you prep the kale and romaine in advance, store the washed and chopped greens in a bowl covered with a paper towel and plastic wrap. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture and helps keep the greens crisp.
Dress or serve on the side: Tossing the dressing into the salad is best for serving immediately or for large gatherings. For leftovers and longer freshness, keep the dressing separate and let diners add their own.
Common Questions
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but avoid tossing the salad until right before serving to keep the greens crisp and the avocado from browning. Greens, cheese, and croutons can be prepped and stored separately.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Salad tossed with dressing and avocado is best eaten within 2 days. If you keep the dressing separate, the components can stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly.
I hope you enjoy this Kale Caesar! Share any questions or feedback in the comments below.
Happy Eating!
Kale Caesar Salad Recipe with Avocados
Caitlyn Erhardt
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Kale leaves Washed and dried
- 4 Cups Romaine lettuce Washed, dried and chopped
- 4 Avocados
- ½ Cup Fresh Parmesan cheese
- ½–¾ Cup Croutons Homemade or store-bought
- ½–¾ Cup Caesar dressing Homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Wash, dry and chop the romaine and kale. This can be done ahead of time.
- Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and cut the flesh into ½-inch chunks. Shave or grate the Parmesan.
- Combine the greens, avocado, Parmesan and croutons in a large bowl and toss gently to combine without smashing the avocado.
- Serve immediately with Caesar dressing on the side or toss with dressing just before serving.
Notes
Leftover Storage
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within 2 days if dressed with Caesar and avocado, or up to 4 days if the dressing is stored separately.
Make Ahead Tips
Prep all ingredients except avocado up to 24 hours ahead and store refrigerated. Assemble just before serving for best texture.
Serving Size Note
This recipe serves four as a main or about eight as a side.
