Brussels Kale Caesar with Cheezy Garlic Croutons is a delicious, nutritious salad with crispy kale, shredded brussels sprouts, and homemade croutons tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing.
Hello, friend! Get ready to have your taste buds sing with this hearty and flavorful Brussels Kale Caesar Salad with Cheezy Garlic Croutons.
The creamy Caesar dressing ties it all together, making it a truly satisfying and healthy meal. So, put on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Utensils You Need:
Gather these tools to create this delicious salad:
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
The Recipe
Brussels Kale Caesar with Cheezy Garlic Croutons
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 bunch of kale, chopped
- ½ pound brussels sprouts, shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the croutons:
- 4 slices of bread, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, massage the kale leaves with a little olive oil and salt until they soften slightly.
- Add shredded brussels sprouts and Parmesan cheese to the kale.
- In a separate bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and Brussels sprouts mixture and toss to coat.
- Top with the cheesy garlic croutons and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any type of bread for the croutons, but crusty bread like baguette or sourdough works best.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as roasted sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, or avocado.
- If you want a spicier dressing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Alternative Ingredients:
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below:
Ingredient | Alternative |
Kale | Spinach or romaine lettuce |
Brussels sprouts | Broccoli or cauliflower florets |
Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese |
Mayonnaise | Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise |
What to Serve with Brussels Kale Caesar with Cheezy Garlic Croutons:
You can pair this delicious salad with the following:
- Grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- A warm bowl of soup on a cold day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the croutons ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the croutons ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use store-bought croutons?
Yes, you can use store-bought croutons, but homemade ones are always more flavorful.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can make this salad vegan by using a vegan Caesar dressing and omitting the Parmesan cheese.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the croutons?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyère.
How do I store leftover salad?
It’s best to eat this salad fresh, as the croutons will lose their crispness over time. However, you can store leftover salad and croutons separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.