Introduction
This delightful recipe for a kale salad combines vibrant flavors with a satisfying crunch. The addition of homemade croutons and a creamy Caesar dressing enhances the dish, making it perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner. With nutritious kale at the heart of this recipe, you are guaranteed a healthy and delicious meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 slices day-old Italian bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup Caesar dressing
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 shallots, sliced
1/4 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 large bunch curly kale, tough stems removed and chopped
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This fulfilling kale salad is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also brings together wholesome ingredients that are sure to please any palate. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Olive Oil Mixture
In a large frying pan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, crushed red pepper, and sea salt; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Croutons
Add the day-old Italian bread cubes to the pan, stirring to coat them with the oil mixture. Continue to cook the bread cubes until they turn golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Kale
Place the chopped curly kale in a large bowl. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the kale and massage it gently with your hands for about 1 minute. This process will help to soften the kale leaves, making them more palatable.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
To the bowl with the dressed kale, add the quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced shallots, shredded Parmesan cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the prepared croutons. Toss all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring an even distribution throughout.
Step 5: Serve the Salad
Serve the salad immediately while the croutons are still crispy. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal.
Notes
Storage Information
This salad is best eaten fresh. If you need to store leftovers, keep the croutons separate to maintain their crispness.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Italian bread, any day-old bread will work. Additionally, you can use kale varieties like Lacinato or Tuscan kale as an alternative.
Vegan Option
For a vegan version, replace the Caesar dressing with a vegan variant and omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Cook techniques
Sauteing
Sauteing involves cooking ingredients quickly in a small amount of hot oil or fat. In this recipe, garlic and crushed red pepper are sautéed to release their flavors before adding the bread cubes.
Toasting
Toasting is the process of cooking bread until it is brown and crispy. Here, day-old Italian bread is toasted in the frying pan to create delicious croutons.
Massaging Greens
Massaging greens, like kale, involves rubbing the leaves with your hands and dressing to help break down tough fibers, making them more tender and palatable.
Tossing
Tossing is a technique used to mix ingredients together. In this recipe, cherry tomatoes, shallots, cheeses, and croutons are tossed with massaged kale to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Serving
Serving refers to presenting the dish for consumption. This salad should be served immediately for the best texture and flavor, especially with the crispy croutons.
FAQ
Can I use other types of bread for croutons?
Yes, you can use any type of stale bread, such as sourdough or whole grain, for croutons.
What can I substitute for Caesar dressing?
You can use a homemade vinaigrette or ranch dressing as an alternative to Caesar dressing.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make croutons and ensure the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or cucumbers, to enhance the flavor and color.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the croutons may become soggy, so it’s best to store them separately if possible.
Conclusion
This delightful salad combines the robust flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and kale, enhanced with the crispness of homemade croutons and the freshness of cherry tomatoes. It’s a perfect dish for a light meal or as a side, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create a satisfying and flavorful experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Kale and Quinoa Salad
Combine chopped kale with cooked quinoa, diced cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette for a nutritious and filling option.
Garlic Roasted Chickpeas
Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt, then roast in the oven for a crunchy snack or salad topping.
Cherry Tomato and Avocado Toast
Top toasted bread with smashed avocado, quartered cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing appetizer.
Shallot and Mushroom Pasta
Sauté sliced shallots and mushrooms in olive oil, then mix with cooked pasta and finish with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Caesar Kale Wraps
Use large kale leaves as wraps, filling them with grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan for a portable meal.
