Description
This hearty Kale Caesar Salad with Chicken is a vibrant twist on the classic favorite, featuring tender chicken, crunchy homemade croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing that clings beautifully to robust shredded kale. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner!
Ingredients
2 cups diced crusty bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
2 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup good quality mayonnaise
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 cups shredded kale
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
1 pound chicken tenderloins
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spread the diced bread onto the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Bake for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the croutons are golden and crispy.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Place the shredded kale in a large salad bowl. Add two-thirds of the dressing and toss to coat. Let the kale sit for 4–5 minutes to soften and absorb the flavors.
Season the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the remaining oil, and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Slice the cooked chicken. Add the remaining dressing to the kale, toss again, then top with the crispy croutons, sliced chicken, and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Massage the kale slightly after tossing it with dressing to further soften it for a more tender texture.
If you prefer, substitute romaine lettuce for a more traditional Caesar salad base.
Make the dressing ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days to save prep time on busy days.
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container for 1 day, though croutons are best added fresh to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American