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Tuscan kale Caesar salad with homemade croutons and crispy chickpeas in a large serving bowl.

Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

A classic salad gets a flavor upgrade with a quick and healthy recipe for Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients  

For the dressing:

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

For the salad:

Instructions 

Make the dressing:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire, mayonnaise, minced garlic and anchovy paste until well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper then set the dressing aside while you make the salad.

Make the salad:

  • Wash the kale and dry it thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and slice the leaves into thin ribbons. Place the kale in a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Using your hands, massage the kale for about 1 minute (2–3 minutes for curly kale) until the leaves are darkened and tender.
  • Add the shaved Parmesan and croutons to the bowl with the kale. Drizzle the dressing on top and toss to combine. Top with crispy chickpeas and serve.

Notes

  • I love topping this salad with a mix of both my homemade croutons and my roasted chickpeas (which can be made in the oven or the air fryer). If you're prepping these in advance, store them together in an airtight container on the counter, not in the fridge. To keep them perfectly crispy, wait to toss them into the salad until the very last second before serving!
  • This salad is a nutritional powerhouse on its own, but it’s easy to turn into a full dinner. It pairs beautifully with my Juicy Stovetop Chicken, Pan-Seared Salmon or a Perfect Pan-Seared Steak.
  • Make-ahead tips: You can wash, slice and massage the kale up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. This creamy Caesar dressing stays fresh in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If it thickens up in the cold, just whisk in a teaspoon of warm water, milk or lemon juice to loosen it back up before serving.
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