Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that’s not only delicious but also packed with flavor, then this Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is just the thing! This recipe is one of my favorites because it combines the earthy goodness of kale with the rich creaminess of roasted garlic dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

What I love most about this salad is its versatility. You can serve it as a main dish or as a delightful side. Plus, the combination of crunchy croutons and crispy bacon adds a satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: The roasted garlic dressing gives a twist to the classic Caesar flavor, making every bite special.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this salad comes together quickly!
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty salad, thanks to its familiar flavors and fun textures.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dressing can be prepared in advance, saving you time when you’re ready to serve.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with kale and fresh ingredients, it’s a healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

For the Dressing

• 2 heads garlic
• olive oil, as needed
• kosher salt
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 3 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup olive oil
• freshly cracked black pepper

For the Salad

• 1 bunch (6-7 large leaves) lacinato kale, stemmed + rinsed + dried
• ¾ lb raw, sliced bacon
• ½ lb crusty Italian bread, torn into ½” pieces
• 3 hearts of romaine, both ends trimmed + rinsed + dried
• 1 small chunk parmesan cheese, shaved for topping

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize your Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad:

• Swap the Protein: Try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option to boost protein.
• Change Up the Greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, feel free to use spinach or mixed greens instead.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers for an extra crunch and freshness.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute crispy chickpeas for bacon and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Cut off the tops of the heads of garlic to reveal the cloves. Place them face-up on foil and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and wrap them up tightly. Roasting garlic transforms its sharpness into sweet caramelized goodness—it’s essential for our dressing!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Raise your oven temperature to 425°F. Lay out your slices of bacon on a sheet pan in a single layer. Roast them for about 20-22 minutes until they’re nice and crispy. Letting them drain on paper towels keeps them crunchy!

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a food processor, combine lemon juice, dijon mustard, anchovy fillets, and grated parmesan cheese. Squeeze all that roasted garlic into this mix—it brings everything together beautifully! While blending these ingredients, slowly drizzle in olive oil until creamy. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 4: Massage the Kale

Roll those kale leaves tightly and slice them into thin ribbons. Toss them in a large bowl with some dressing and give them a good “massage” for about 30 seconds. This softens the leaves and makes them more enjoyable to eat!

Step 5: Make Croutons

Heat a skillet over medium heat with plenty of olive oil. Add your torn bread pieces and toast until golden brown all over—about a few minutes while stirring frequently. These homemade croutons add such an irresistible crunch!

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Cut your romaine into similar-sized pieces as the kale and add it to your mixing bowl along with any remaining dressing. Toss gently so everything mixes well without bruising those lovely greens!

Step 7: Serve It Up

On a large platter or individual plates, serve your salad topped with crispy bacon bits, crunchy croutons, and beautiful shavings of parmesan cheese scattered on top. Don’t forget an extra sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for that finishing touch!

Enjoy every bite of this delectable Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad—it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

Creating a delicious Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is all about enhancing flavors and textures, so here are some handy tips to help you achieve salad perfection!

• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a robust flavor that dried garlic simply can’t match. Roasting it brings out its sweetness and mellows the sharpness, making it perfect for your dressing.
• Massage the kale: Massaging the kale with dressing not only softens its texture but also helps to break down its fibrous leaves, making it more enjoyable to eat and allowing the flavors to penetrate better.
• Customize your croutons: Feel free to experiment with different types of bread or even season your croutons with herbs and spices. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make your salad stand out.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the roasted garlic dressing and croutons in advance. This makes assembling the salad a breeze on busy weeknights while ensuring fresh ingredients are ready to go!
• Add protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted tofu. This not only increases the nutritional value but also makes it more satisfying for dinner.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

Serving your Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to present this vibrant dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Shaved parmesan: Adding shavings of parmesan cheese on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also amplifies the cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the salad.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: This classic side pairs wonderfully with any salad and complements the roasted garlic flavor in your main dish. Plus, who can resist warm, buttery bread?
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds depth and nutrition to your meal. Think carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini drizzled with olive oil and herbs!
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette brings additional texture and taste while keeping things healthy.
• Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or lentils create a filling side that adds variety and complements the Caesar flavors beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delightful Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on busy weeknights. Here’s how to store it properly for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting.
• Enjoy leftovers within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.

Freezing

• It’s best not to freeze this salad as its components, such as the greens and croutons, will lose their texture when thawed.
• Instead, prepare the dressing in bulk and freeze it in small portions for future use.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
• If you want to warm any leftover croutons, toss them in a skillet over low heat just until crispy again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad!

Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Absolutely! While kale adds a lovely texture and flavor, you can substitute with other leafy greens like spinach or mixed greens if you prefer.

What can I use instead of anchovy fillets in the Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad?

If you’d like to keep it vegetarian or simply avoid anchovies, consider using capers for a similar briny flavor or skip them altogether.

How long will the Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this salad will last about 3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until serving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad! It’s not only a delightful twist on a classic but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experience or any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!