Massaged Kale Sprout Caesar Salad

Massaged Kale Sprout Caesar Salad is a fresh take on the classic Caesar salad!

Because I’m a crazed Brussels sprout fanatic and kale fanatic, I was so excited when Brussels sprouts and kale got married and had these little kale sprout babies!  They’re a cross between red Russian kale and Brussels sprouts.

Most of the time I simply roast them–several bags at a time.  (You can reheat them, but they’re GREAT cold!)

To prep kale sprouts for roasting, I drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.  I then give them a thorough massage so the olive oil covers every little spot and they’re evenly seasoned.

If you’ve never “massaged” your kale, massaging helps soften it and reduces some of the bitterness.  Here’s more information from The Huffington Post.

Kale sprouts are absolutely delicious with only the above simple olive oil, salt and pepper treatment.  I can’t help but snitch a few before I put them in the oven which inspired me to use them in a salad.

Caesar salad made the traditional way involves raw egg yolks or “coddling” the egg (which means to lightly cook it).  Whisking lemon juice into yolks should make them safe as does coddling the egg.  However, in my business, it’s something a personal chef does not risk–especially with children, seniors or anyone with a compromised immune system.

Instead, I came up with this super-safe Caesar dressing for my clients that uses mayonnaise to achieve the richness egg yolks typically provide.  If eggs are a problem for you, substitute a vegan mayonnaise.  If a fish allergy is a problem, substitute vegan Worcestershire for both the anchovy paste and the conventional Worcestershire.

If you wish to make your own croutons, here’s a great tutorial from The Kitchn.  For ease, use a good artisan-style crouton.  (I used Kroger’s Private Selection Green Olive Focaccia Croutons.)

I prefer to shave rather than grate a good domestic Parmesan (such as Sartori) or imported Parmigiano-Reggiano over a Caesar.  With grated cheese, you’ll taste it throughout the salad.  Instead, shaved shards provide little pops of salty goodness so all the ingredients can shine through.

Now go make this kale sprout Caesar salad!

For more great kale and kale sprout recipes, be sure to try my:

Kale Sprout, Spinach and Arugula Gratin with Cambozola

Kale Sprout, Spinach and Arugula Gratin with Cambozola is the perfect side dish to pair with simply roasted meat or poultry this fall and winter!  Mildly bitter and chewy kale sprouts, sweet spinach, peppery arugula, smoky bacon and mild Cambozola cheese combine for an elegant yet easy vegetable gratin.

Get the Recipe

Quinoa and Kale Salad with Red Grapes, Walnuts and Honey – Lemon Dressing

Quinoa and Kale Salad with Red Grapes, Walnuts and Lemon Honey Dressing is a delicious way to enjoy these popular superfoods!  It keeps for several days so it's perfect for meal prep and lunches for a busy week.

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Chili Roasted Kale Sprouts with Lime Salt

Chili Roasted Kale Sprouts with Lime Salt is superfood turned into super snack with Southwestern seasonings and lime salt!

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Spicy Sauteed Kale with Andouille Sausage

Spicy Sauteed Kale with Andouille Sausage is a modern twist on a Southern classic! 

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Brown Rice Cheddar and Kale Casserole

Brown Rice Cheddar Kale Casserole is perfect meatless comfort food that's also super versatile! Vary the grains and vary the greens!

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Hash Brown Frittatas with Kale Bacon and Cheddar

Hash Brown Frittatas with Kale, Bacon and Cheddar are a hearty way to start your day.  They can be made ahead so they're great for guests, too!

Get the Recipe

Helpful Tools and Equipment to make Massage Kale Sprout Caesar Salad  (Affiliate Links):

Yield: 4

Massaged Kale Sprout Caesar Salad

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Massaged Kale Sprout Caesar Salad is a fresh take on the classic Caesar!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 (6-ounce) bags kale sprouts
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided (not robust or a super-strong one)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large lemon, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
• 1 cup artisan-style croutons (I used Kroger's Private Selection Green Olive Focaccia Croutons)
• 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Trim some of the tough bottom ends from each kale sprout. Cut the smaller sprouts in half and quarter the larger ones.
2. Place sprouts in a large bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Gently rub the oil into the sprouts to soften them.
3. Whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, mustard, and anchovy paste.
4. Add croutons and toss with dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

4
Amount Per Serving Calories 382Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 27gCholesterol 13mgSodium 563mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 6g

The nutritional information above is computer-generated and only an estimate. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.