I promised this recipe last month. I'm a few days late but when you make this you'll forgive me. This is one of my favorite things to eat. It's fun and different, takes no time at all and you feel good about what you're eating with each bite! Seriously, if you've never tried kale, now is the time and this is the way to do it! My mom and her friend had a salad like this while on a weekend getaway. The chef was kind enough to tell them his key ingredients for the Caesar Salad Dressing. We always have it whipped up in the fridge. Once you make it you'll never buy salad dressing again. This dressing is great on all types of salad and it seems like you can't use too much! It's so good and fresh! It's the perfect compliment to the smokiness of the grilled kale. You should make this tonight!
Grilled Kale Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad Dressing
Ingredients:
equal parts fresh squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp anchovy paste, about 1" squeezed from the tube
spoonful of dijon mustard
1 large garlic clove, minced by hand or by press
a pinch of salt
Directions:
Simply combine all ingredients by shaking well in a sealed container. Store extra in the fridge! Note: I usually double this recipe so we have some on hand.
freshly ground black pepper
Grilled Kale
Ingredients:
A large bunch of kale (one large bunch feeds two people as an entree)
olive oil
parmesan cheese
Directions:
Heat up your grill* while you wash and dry the kale. Strip the leafy green part from the stalk and tear it into large pieces. In a large bowl, toss the pieces in olive oil until they are lightly coated. When your grill is ready toss the leaves directly onto the grill (you will lose a few), let them crackle a bit before gently tossing them around with a pair of tongs. When they have begun to shrink and wilt and the edges are crispy and brown return them to the bowl. Toss with the salad dressing and parmesan cheese. Add in shredded chicken and croutons if you wish!
*In a pinch (or in the winter) you can fake this recipe on the stovetop by cooking the kale in a hot cast iron skillet. You lose a bit of the smoky flavor but a well seasoned skillet is a great substitute!
Downloadable Recipe: