Smoky Kale CaesarSmoky Kale Caesar
Smoky Kale Caesar

Smoky Kale Caesar

This creamy nut-free, dairy-free Caesar dressing gets a hint of smokiness from smoked paprika. Try it mixed into a kale-lettuce combo Caesar salad!
Dreena Burton
Dreena Burton
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Recipe - Choices Market South Surrey
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Smoky Kale Caesar
Prep Time30 Minutes
Servings4
Cook Time10 Minutes
Ingredients
1/2 cup precooked Red or Yukon Gold Potatoes
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 small - medium clove garlic
2 teaspoons nutritional yeast (optional)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 cup plain unsweetened nondairy milk
3 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce (optional)
2-3 tablespoons water, if needed
KALE CAESAR SALAD
4-5 cups stemmed and julienned Kale leaves
4-5 cups julienned Romaine Lettuce leaves
Croutons
lemon wedges
Directions

1. Starting with 3 1 /2 tablespoons lemon juice, combine all the dressing

ingredients except the water in a blender (or in a deep cup if using an immersion blender) and puree until very smooth.

2. Add water to thin the dressing if desired.

3. Taste and add additional lemon juice and seasoning as desired.

4. Toss the kale with about 1/2 cup of the dressing in a large bowl.

5. Add a few pinches of coarse salt and let sit for 15-30 minutes to slightly wilt and soften the leaves.

6. Add the lettuce leaves and 1/4 cup more dressing. Use tongs to work the dressing through the salad.

7. Sprinkle with the croutons and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with extra smoked paprika (if using).

8. Serve with lemon wedges.

Any remaining dressing can be stored in fridge in airtight container for up to 6 days. Makes about 1 1/2 cups of dressing. Salad serves 4 or more.

 

Potato Note: Use leftover potatoes in this dressing! Anytime you roast, boil, or steam potatoes, cook extra to have some ready for this dressing. Just a little potato really thickens the dressing. 

Kale Note: If you are new to using kale in a Caesar salad, start with less - maybe just 2 cups, and make up the difference by using extra lettuce. This helps your palate adjust to the more assertive flavour of kale in the salad. 

30 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4
Servings

Directions

1. Starting with 3 1 /2 tablespoons lemon juice, combine all the dressing

ingredients except the water in a blender (or in a deep cup if using an immersion blender) and puree until very smooth.

2. Add water to thin the dressing if desired.

3. Taste and add additional lemon juice and seasoning as desired.

4. Toss the kale with about 1/2 cup of the dressing in a large bowl.

5. Add a few pinches of coarse salt and let sit for 15-30 minutes to slightly wilt and soften the leaves.

6. Add the lettuce leaves and 1/4 cup more dressing. Use tongs to work the dressing through the salad.

7. Sprinkle with the croutons and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with extra smoked paprika (if using).

8. Serve with lemon wedges.

Any remaining dressing can be stored in fridge in airtight container for up to 6 days. Makes about 1 1/2 cups of dressing. Salad serves 4 or more.

 

Potato Note: Use leftover potatoes in this dressing! Anytime you roast, boil, or steam potatoes, cook extra to have some ready for this dressing. Just a little potato really thickens the dressing. 

Kale Note: If you are new to using kale in a Caesar salad, start with less - maybe just 2 cups, and make up the difference by using extra lettuce. This helps your palate adjust to the more assertive flavour of kale in the salad. 

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