The Caesar salad’s origin story is as rich and varied as the dish itself. Most versions of the story claim that the salad was invented by an Italian-American restaurateur named Caesar Cardini, who owned restaurants in both San Diego and Tijuana in 1924. According to legend, Cardini was presented with an overwhelming number of customers on the Fourth of July, and he created the dish out of what he had on hand.
The original recipe is said to have included romaine lettuce, olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and croutons. Cardini’s brother Alex is said to have added the famous “anchovy paste”, which is what really made the dish stand out.
The Caesar salad quickly became a hit, and it wasn’t long before the dish was being served in restaurants all over the world. Over the years, the recipe has been tweaked and changed to suit the tastes of different cultures and regions. For example, some versions of the dish include anchovies, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and Worcestershire sauce.
Today, the Caesar salad is a staple on restaurant menus, and it’s beloved by diners all over the globe. But in recent years, the dish has come under fire for its high calorie and fat content. That’s why we’ve put together this recipe for a healthier version of the classic salad, made with kale instead of romaine lettuce.
Healthy Kale Caesar Salad Ingredients:
- 2 bunches of fresh kale, washed, dried, and chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons croutons
Optional garnishes:
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped cucumbers
- Chopped red onions
- Chopped olives
- Chopped hard boiled eggs
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- A large bowl
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A whisk
- A spoon
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Instructions:
- Place the kale in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and toss to coat.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and croutons and toss again.
- Divide the salad onto two plates and garnish with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and hard boiled eggs, if desired.
To Make the Salad Spicy:
If you’d like to make the salad spicier, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili powder to the dressing. You can also garnish the salad with jalapenos or pepperoncinis for an extra kick.
Looking for other salad recipes? Find a great salad that’s delicious and simple to make.