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This Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is a modern twist on the traditional Caesar salad, incorporating tender kale, crispy bacon, homemade croutons, and a rich roasted garlic Caesar dressing. The creamy dressing is made with roasted garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, anchovy, and parmesan, creating a bright and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the crunchy greens and savory bacon. This salad is a standout side for holiday meals or an elegant addition to any dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

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

For the Dressing:

2 heads garlic
Olive oil, as needed
Kosher salt
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 anchovy fillets, packed in oil, drained
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup olive oil
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Cut the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, and wrap them in foil. Roast for 2 hours until soft and golden. Let cool.
Cook the Bacon: Raise the oven heat to 425°F. Lay the bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-22 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop.
Make the Dressing: Combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovies, and ¼ cup grated parmesan in a food processor. Squeeze out the roasted garlic from its skins into the bowl and pulse to combine. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor runs. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Prepare the Kale: Roll the kale leaves tightly, cut them into ¼” slices, and place in a large bowl. Add a spoonful of the dressing and toss to coat. Massage the kale for about 30 seconds, then let sit for 10 minutes.
Make Croutons: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the torn bread and toast until golden and crispy, stirring often. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside to cool.
Assemble the Salad: Slice the romaine into ¼” strips and add to the kale along with the remaining dressing. Toss for 30 seconds to allow the romaine to soften slightly.
Finish and Serve: Toss in the bacon, croutons, and remaining parmesan. Serve on a platter, topped with parmesan shavings and freshly cracked black pepper.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 540mg

Why Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is So Special

What makes this salad special is the combination of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. The kale adds a hearty, nutritious element, while the romaine offers the familiar crunch of a traditional Caesar salad. The roasted garlic dressing is the highlight, offering a creamy, rich base with the depth of garlic, the tang of lemon, and the umami of anchovy and parmesan.

The crispy bacon and homemade croutons not only add crunch but also provide savory richness, making this salad more than just a side—it could easily stand alone as a main dish. The addition of kale makes it feel fresh and vibrant, and the homemade dressing elevates it far above anything you can get from a store-bought bottle.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in the Recipe

Lacinato Kale: The kale provides a hearty base for the salad, with a slightly earthy flavor and a firm texture that stands up well to the rich dressing. It’s full of nutrients like fiber and vitamins, making this salad both delicious and healthy.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine brings a crisp, refreshing crunch that balances the more robust texture of the kale, adding another layer of freshness to the salad.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the dressing and provides a satisfying crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Both grated and shaved parmesan cheese are used in this salad. The grated parmesan adds a creamy texture to the dressing, while the shaved parmesan is used as a topping to finish the salad with a burst of savory flavor.
Crusty Italian Bread: The croutons are made from crusty Italian bread, which adds a toasted crunch to the salad. They are seasoned with olive oil and salt to enhance the flavor.
Garlic: Roasted garlic gives the dressing a sweet, mellow flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tang of lemon and the savory depth of anchovies.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Lemon juice and zest brighten the dressing, adding a tangy freshness that balances the richness of the garlic and parmesan.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness and creaminess to the dressing, enhancing its complexity.
Anchovies: Anchovies provide a deep umami flavor that adds richness to the dressing, creating a traditional Caesar salad flavor profile.
Olive Oil: Olive oil makes the dressing smooth and velvety, while adding its own fruity and slightly peppery flavor.

How to Make the Perfect Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

This salad may have a few steps, but each one is easy to follow, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how to make the perfect Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad:

Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cut the tops off the garlic heads and drizzle them with olive oil. Season with salt and wrap them in foil. Roast for 2 hours, until the garlic is soft and golden. Once done, let the garlic cool before squeezing out the cloves from their skins.
Cook the Bacon: Raise the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-22 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from the oven, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, and chop it into small pieces.
Make the Dressing: In a food processor, combine the roasted garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovies, and ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Pulse to combine. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor runs, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Prepare the Kale: Remove the stems from the kale leaves and rinse them thoroughly. Roll the kale leaves tightly and slice them into ¼-inch strips. Place the kale in a large bowl, add a spoonful of the dressing, and toss well. Massage the kale for about 30 seconds to soften it, and then let it sit for 10 minutes.
Make the Croutons: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the torn bread pieces and toast them, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Season the croutons with a pinch of salt and set them aside to cool.
Assemble the Salad: Slice the romaine into ¼-inch strips and add it to the kale. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and toss for 30 seconds to slightly soften the romaine.
Finish and Serve: Add the bacon, croutons, and remaining grated parmesan to the salad. Toss to combine, then transfer to a serving platter. Top with shaved parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

Massage the Kale: Massaging the kale with the dressing is an essential step that softens the leaves and makes them more palatable. Don’t skip this step!
Make the Dressing in Advance: You can make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Use Fresh Croutons: While store-bought croutons are fine in a pinch, homemade croutons are much more flavorful and crisp. Make sure to use crusty bread for the best texture.
Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a little more olive oil. If you like more tang, add extra lemon juice or a touch more Dijon mustard.

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

This salad can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Side Dish: Pair this salad with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or fish. Its bold flavors make it a great accompaniment to rich main dishes.
As a Main Course: For a lighter main course, serve this salad on its own, perhaps with a crusty loaf of bread on the side.
For Special Occasions: This salad is perfect for holiday meals, dinner parties, or special gatherings. The creamy dressing and crispy bacon make it feel indulgent, while the kale and romaine keep it light and refreshing.

Nutritional Information for Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

Each serving of this salad contains approximately 320 calories, with 28 grams of fat, including 8 grams of saturated fat. It also provides 10 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, and 14 grams of protein, making it a balanced and satisfying dish. With a good amount of sodium (540 mg), this salad is best enjoyed in moderation alongside a well-balanced meal.

Conclusion

Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is a modern take on a classic favorite, with the added richness of roasted garlic, the heartiness of kale, and the savory crunch of bacon and croutons. The homemade dressing ties all the flavors together, creating a bright, tangy, and creamy finish. Whether served as a side dish or as a main course, this salad is a flavorful and satisfying addition to any meal. With its combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite!

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