Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a hug in a bowl, then you’re going to adore this Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the sweet roasted garlic and the crispy bacon, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing that will make your taste buds sing. This salad is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying or for family gatherings where everyone will want seconds!

What I love most about this recipe is how it combines hearty greens with rich flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or enjoying it as a light lunch on its own, it’s sure to please anyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This salad comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings.
• Family-friendly: With crispy bacon and creamy dressing, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for more.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep the dressing and croutons ahead of time for an even quicker assembly later on.
• Deliciously nutritious: Packed with kale and romaine, this salad is not just tasty but also loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will come together beautifully in our Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad. You might already have some of these items in your kitchen!

For the Dressing

• 2 heads garlic
• olive oil, as needed
• kosher salt
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 3 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup olive oil
• freshly cracked black pepper

For the Salad

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

Variations

This Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is super flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try adding grilled chicken or chickpeas instead of bacon for a different taste.
• Change up the greens: Use spinach or arugula if you want a lighter texture.
• Add some crunch: Toss in nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra nutty flavor and crunch.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based protein instead of bacon.

How to Make Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Cut the tops off the heads of garlic to reveal those delicious cloves. Place them face-up on foil, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Wrap them snugly in foil and roast for about 2 hours until soft and golden. This slow roasting brings out such sweet flavors in the garlic—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Raise your oven heat to 425°F. Lay out those slices of bacon on a sheet pan in one even layer and roast them for 20-22 minutes until crispy. Once done, transfer them to paper towels to drain off excess grease and let them cool before chopping roughly. The crispiness adds such a delightful texture to our salad!

Step 3: Blend the Dressing

In your food processor, combine the lemon juice, dijon mustard, anchovy fillets (don’t worry—they add amazing umami!), and ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Squeeze all that roasted garlic out of its skins into the bowl—this is where all that fantastic flavor comes from! Pulse everything together until combined. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1 cup of olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the Kale

Roll those kale leaves tightly lengthwise and slice them into ¼” ribbons. Toss them into a large mixing bowl along with a generous spoonful of that creamy dressing. Now comes the fun part—give that kale a good “massage” for about 30 seconds! This helps break down its fibers so it becomes tender. Let it sit while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 5: Make Croutons

Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and coat it generously with olive oil. Add those torn pieces of Italian bread and let them toast until golden brown on all sides—stir often! Once they’re nice and crisp, season with a pinch of salt and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 6: Combine Greens

Slice your romaine into ¼” pieces and add them directly into the bowl with kale along with any remaining dressing. Toss everything together gently for about 30 seconds; this allows the romaine to soften just enough while still retaining its crunchiness.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Now it’s time for assembly! Add in your crispy bacon bits along with those lovely croutons and sprinkle over another ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Serve this gorgeous salad on a platter topped with shaved parmesan and more freshly cracked black pepper if desired!

And there you have it—a delicious Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

Creating the perfect Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve delicious, restaurant-quality results at home!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh romaine, kale, and garlic not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors and nutrients to your salad.

• Massage the kale: This technique softens the leaves and makes them easier to chew while allowing the dressing to soak in better, resulting in a more flavorful salad.

• Adjust the dressing to taste: The beauty of homemade dressing is that you can tweak it! Feel free to add more lemon juice for acidity or more garlic for that rich flavor.

• Make croutons from stale bread: Using slightly stale bread for croutons adds a delightful crunch without wasting food. They soak up flavors beautifully while remaining crisp.

• Let flavors meld: After tossing your salad, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors of the dressing to infuse into the greens thoroughly.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad

Presenting your Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad can turn a simple dish into an impressive centerpiece for any meal. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve it!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Extra parmesan shavings: A few additional shavings of parmesan cheese can create a luxurious finish and enhance the salad’s creaminess.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside allows guests to add a splash of citrus right before eating, brightening up every bite.

Side Dishes

• Grilled chicken skewers: Seasoned grilled chicken skewers provide a protein-packed option that complements the salad beautifully.
• Quinoa pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs and vegetables offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with the richness of the salad.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini bring additional warmth and texture, making your meal heartier.
• Chickpea fritters: Crispy chickpea fritters are a fantastic plant-based side that adds crunch and complements the flavors of your Caesar salad nicely.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re well on your way to enjoying a delightful Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad that’s sure to impress family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and nutritious dish throughout the week. The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s easy to store and reheat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate to avoid wilting the greens too quickly.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh greens and croutons.
• If you have extra dressing, you can freeze it in small portions using ice cube trays.
• Thaw frozen dressing in the refrigerator overnight before use.

Reheating

• If you’ve stored your salad with dressing mixed in, it’s best to eat it cold.
• If you want to warm up the ingredients like bacon or croutons, heat them separately in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Add fresh greens after reheating other components for a crisp texture.

FAQs

Have questions? Let’s dive into some common inquiries about this delightful recipe!

What makes Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad healthier than traditional Caesar salads?

The Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad swaps out traditional romaine for nutrient-dense kale, which is rich in vitamins. It also uses olive oil instead of heavy dressings, making it lighter yet flavorful.

Can I prepare Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare most components ahead of time. Just remember to store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for anchovies in Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad?

You can use capers or a bit of miso paste for an umami flavor without anchovies. These alternatives maintain that savory depth while keeping the recipe vegetarian-friendly.

How do I make Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad suitable for meal prep?

To make this salad suitable for meal prep, keep ingredients like croutons and bacon separate until serving. This ensures everything stays fresh and crunchy throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Roasted Garlic & Kale Caesar Salad becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen! It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Enjoy making it as much as I do, and let your creativity shine through! Happy cooking!