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Kale Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken Recipe delights!

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!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups diced crusty bread2 tablespoons olive oilKosher salt and black pepper to taste2 minced garlic cloves1 teaspoon anchovy pasteJuice of 1 lemon1 cup good quality mayonnaise½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese½ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon black pepper8 cups shredded kaleFreshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish1 pound chicken tenderloins½ teaspoon garlic powder¼ teaspoon paprika2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided

Method
 

  1. 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.