Crispy Kale and Avocado Caesar Salad

This Crispy Kale and Avocado Caesar Salad uses both roasted and fresh kale to give it interest and texture. Extra nutrients are added with an avocado Caesar dressing and a garnish of crunchy sunflower seeds. It's a perfect Vegan (minus the anchovy) or egg-free option for a Caesar Salad!

This recipe is a cinch to make. Everything is made in the time it takes to roast the kale. The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and the kale chips, several days in advance. I use baby kale to make my life easier. Plus I prefer the flavour and texture of baby kale over the "adult" one.

How to make crispy kale and avocado Caesar salad

First the kale chips. If you've never tried them I highly recommend you do! Keep in mind that kale is like any other cooked green. It goes from looking like a ton and turns into only handful.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. On a large baking tray place kale in an even layer, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat. You can line your tray with parchment paper for easy clean up. Roast for approximately 20 minutes, turning half way through, or until it starts to get crispy. These can be made several days in advance. Keep covered at room temperature. They also make a great snack so be careful not to eat them all before you get to the salad!

Avocado Caesar Dressing

This avocado Caesar dressing is the bomb! Use it on any salad you like or even as a dip. It's so easy and all you need is something to blend it with. You could do it by hand if you don't own such a thing by mashing the avocado and anchovy (if using) as smooth as you can, mincing the garlic and capers and mixing everything together well. I use a touch of anchovy but if you don't have any, don't like it, or are vegan, feel free to omit it. In that case I suggest adding another teaspoon of capers

How to pick an avocado

To check for perfect ripeness, gently press your thumb into the avocado. You should feel some resistance but it shouldn't be super soft. Similar to pushing your thumb into a tennis ball. Note: if the skin looks wrinkly it's too ripe and likely starting to rot inside. If you buy under ripe avocados ahead of time, let them ripen on the counter, checking them every day. When they are ripe, put them in the fridge. They will keep for several days at perfect ripeness this way.

To open and remove the pit of an avocado, Cut all the way around from top to bottom. Twist each half in opposite directions to release the pit and open. Set the half with the pit down and carefully hit the pit with the blade of your knife. Twist the knife to release the pit and remove. Simply scoop the flesh out into the bowl of whatever you are using to puree the dressing. Add all other dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. If it's too thick you can add water, 1 tbsp. at a time, until it's the consistency you like. This can be made 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning.

Assembling your Crispy Kale and Avocado Caesar Salad

Place the fresh kale into a large bowl. Add the roasted kale, once it's cooled, setting aside a handful to use as garnish. If you are assembling the salad in advance, leave out the roasted kale until just before serving. Add all of the dressing, sunflower seeds and ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Toss to coat evenly. Place on a platter or in a bowl and garnish with Parmesan shavings and the extra kale chips. Serve some extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like it extra tangy!

BOOM! You've just created an interesting, nutritious and dee-licous side dish for any meal but especially to help balance out the other indulgences that go along with the holidays.

Other Side Dishes You Might Like

• Black Rice Salad with Roasted Vegetable and Walnuts
• Brussels Sprouts, Bacon and Apple Slaw
• Corn Salad with Creamy Dill Dressing

📖 Recipe