Best Italian Kale Caesar Salad Recipes

KALE SALAD WITH PANCETTA AND PECORINO

Steps:

• For the dressing, place the anchovies, garlic, mustard, egg yolks, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process for 30 seconds until smooth. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube, until the mixture emulsifies. Add the grated Pecorino and process just until combined. Transfer to a container and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Wash the kale and spin it dry in a salad spinner. Remove the rib from each leaf. Stack the leaves and slice them thinly crosswise, as you would coleslaw. Place the kale in a large bowl and toss with enough dressing to moisten.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium (10-inch) saute pan. Add the pancetta and cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, tossing frequently, until browned and crisp. Transfer the pancetta with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels. Add the bread cubes to the pan, sprinkle with salt, and saute for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing frequently, until evenly browned. Add the pancetta, toasted bread, and shaved Pecorino to the kale and toss with large spoons. Serve at room temperature.

ITALIAN KALE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Pulse egg yolk, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, oregano, colatura (if using), and cayenne in a food processor or blender until smooth. Combine canola oil and 1/2 cup olive oil in a measuring cup with spout. With the motor running, add blended oil in a very thin stream; purée until a creamy emulsion forms. Add cheese and pulse to combine. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
• Toss bread with remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, tossing once or twice, until crisp and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Combine kale and croutons in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup dressing and toss to combine.
• Do ahead
• Dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container.

KALE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Gather your ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
• Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop it as coarsely or finely as you like. We went for thin strips, but you can use larger pieces if desired. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and massage with your hands to soften; set aside.
• Meanwhile, toss the bread cubes with the olive oil, garlic powder, and salt on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12 minutes or until the bread is golden brown, shaking the baking sheet after 6 minutes to ensure even browning.
• Add the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, garlic clove, dijon mustard, anchovy fillet(s), remaining lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, then with the processor on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil as it is blending.
• Add the dressing to the bowl with kale. Using a wooden spoon, pound the kale and the dressing together. This will tenderize the kale and help it absorb the flavors from the dressing. Stir and continue to pound with the spoon for another minute. It's hard to bruise the kale, so don't be afraid.
• Chop the baked bread cubes until they resemble large breadcrumbs.
• Toss the dressed salad with the shaved parmesan and crumbled croutons. Serve immediately.

KALE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Place mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Set aside.
• Place kale in a large salad bowl. Using your hands, massage the kale to soften slightly. Add a few dollops of the dressing on top of the kale, and stir until all pieces are lightly coated with the dressing. Sprinkle with croutons and top with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

KALE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Coat a large saute pan with olive oil. Toss in half the garlic and the crushed red pepper and bring the pan to medium heat. Cook the garlic until it becomes golden and very aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the garlic and ditch it-it has fulfilled its garlic destiny. Toss in the bread cubes and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden, crisp, and have absorbed all the oil, like little olive oil sponges. Remove from the heat and reserve.
• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the Parmigiano, lemon zest and juice, the remaining garlic, the Dijon, anchovies, and Worcestershire. Puree until the mixture is smooth, 15 to 20 seconds. With the machine running, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil through the feed tube. Let the processor continue to run for another 10 to 15 seconds. Taste and season with salt if needed.
• In a large bowl, toss the kale with the croutons and two-thirds of the dressing. Let the kale sit for 3 to 4 minutes to soften. Taste, add the remaining dressing, and adjust the seasoning if needed.