WINTER KALE CAESAR SALAD
INTRODUCTION
Winter is a season filled with warmth, coziness, and hearty meals. Even if it’s cold outside, we can enjoy fresh and healthy salads. The Winter Kale Caesar Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It combines the crispness of kale and Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash. Then we add crunchy sourdough croutons for that extra bite. This salad is not just tasty; it is also nutritious and can bring a smile to your table this winter.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love this Winter Kale Caesar Salad. First, this recipe features fresh ingredients that are perfect for winter. Kale is full of vitamins, and Brussels sprouts add even more nutrition. The roasted butternut squash brings a lovely sweetness that balances the salad perfectly.
Another reason to love this recipe is its creamy dressing. Made from Greek yogurt and parmesan, it gives the salad a rich taste without making it too heavy. Plus, it is easy to prepare! You can have your salad ready in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Lastly, it’s versatile. Whether you serve it as a starter or a side dish, this salad fits so well with many meals. You can also adjust the ingredients according to what you like or have at home. It’s great for both everyday dining and festive occasions.
HOW TO MAKE WINTER KALE CAESAR SALAD
Making Winter Kale Caesar Salad is simple. Follow these steps to create your delicious salad:
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this salad, you will need the following equipment:
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- ½ lemon, juiced
- â…“ cup olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups torn and chopped Tuscan kale
- 2 to 3 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 cups sourdough bread cubes
- â…“ cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Make the Dressing: Begin by adding the minced garlic, Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. While the processor is running, slowly stream in the olive oil to make the dressing even creamier.
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Prepare the Butternut Squash: Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 18-22 minutes, flipping it halfway through, until it is tender and golden.
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Massage the Greens: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale and shredded Brussels sprouts. Add a teaspoon of olive oil and massage the greens gently with your hands. This helps to soften the leaves and release their flavors. Allow them to sit while preparing the croutons.
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Bake the Croutons: In another bowl, mix olive oil and Dijon mustard. Add the sourdough bread cubes and toss them well to coat. Season with salt and spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
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Assemble the Salad: Once all components are ready, take the bowl with the kale and Brussels sprouts. Toss them with several tablespoons of the creamy dressing until the greens are well coated. Arrange the roasted butternut squash on top. Finish off with the shaved parmesan cheese and the crunchy croutons.
HOW TO SERVE WINTER KALE CAESAR SALAD
You can serve the Winter Kale Caesar Salad right after mixing it all together. It is best enjoyed fresh so that the croutons remain crunchy. Place a generous portion on a plate, and add extra dressing if you like. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top can give it a beautiful finish.
Consider pairing this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It is also great on its own for a light lunch or dinner.
STORAGE & FREEZING: WINTER KALE CAESAR SALAD
For storage, you can keep leftover salad in the fridge. Place the remaining salad in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to three days. However, keep the croutons separate if you want them to stay crunchy.
This salad is not suited for freezing because the greens will become mushy when thawed. It is best to enjoy this dish fresh for the best taste and texture.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can serve the Winter Kale Caesar Salad in various ways. Here are some suggestions:
- As a side dish to roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork.
- Pair it with your favorite soup for a warming meal.
- Serve it at a holiday dinner alongside other festive dishes.
- Offer it as a light lunch with some whole grain bread.
VARIATIONS
Feel free to customize this salad according to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Protein: Try adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas for more substance.
- Use Different Greens: Substitute kale for spinach or arugula for a different flavor.
- Mix Up the Dressing: Experiment with other dressings like a lemon vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing.
- Incorporate Other Veggies: Add roasted carrots, beets, or sweet potatoes for extra color and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular kale instead of Tuscan kale?
Yes, you can use regular kale. Tuscan kale has a softer texture, but regular kale will work well too.
2. Is the dressing suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the dressing can be made vegetarian by simply omitting the anchovy paste.
3. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and roast the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to mix the salad right before serving to ensure freshness.
4. What can I use instead of sourdough bread for the croutons?
You can use any bread you have on hand, like whole wheat or ciabatta, for the croutons.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR WINTER KALE CAESAR SALAD
If you want to save time, you can prepare some components in advance. Here are some tips:
- Make the Dressing: Prepare the creamy dressing a day earlier and store it in the fridge. It will taste even better after the flavors meld together.
- Roast the Butternut Squash: You can roast the squash and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it briefly before serving.
- Chop the Greens: You can chop the kale and Brussels sprouts a day ahead. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
This Winter Kale Caesar Salad is simple yet filled with flavor. Enjoy making it for your family and friends this winter!
Winter Kale Caesar Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Add garlic, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Blend until smooth. Slowly stream in olive oil while blending.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine kale and Brussels sprouts. Add a teaspoon of olive oil and massage the greens gently with hands to soften leaves. Let sit while preparing croutons.
- In another bowl, mix olive oil and Dijon mustard. Toss sourdough bread cubes to coat, season with salt, and spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Toss the massaged kale and Brussels sprouts with creamy dressing until well coated. Arrange roasted butternut squash on top and finish with shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons.