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Fresh Kale and Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe with Crispy Parmesan Crisps

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A quick and healthy kale Caesar salad featuring tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy homemade Parmesan crisps. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups fresh kale, chopped (preferably curly or dinosaur kale)
  • 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or sliced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (packed)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: freshly cracked black pepper, extra Parmesan shavings, croutons

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the kale completely. Remove thick stems and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt over the kale. Massage leaves with hands for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly darkened.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon tablespoon-sized mounds of grated Parmesan onto the sheet, spacing a couple inches apart. Flatten slightly.
  4. Bake Parmesan mounds for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and anchovy paste if using.
  6. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add shredded or sliced chicken to the massaged kale. Pour dressing over and toss thoroughly to coat.
  8. Break Parmesan crisps into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle over the salad. Add extra Parmesan shavings or cracked black pepper if desired.
  9. Serve immediately to keep crisps crunchy. If prepping ahead, keep crisps separate until serving.

Notes

Massage kale well to soften and reduce bitterness. Watch Parmesan crisps closely while baking to avoid burning. Prepare dressing first to let flavors meld. Keep Parmesan crisps separate if making salad ahead to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: kale salad, chicken Caesar salad, Parmesan crisps, healthy salad, easy dinner, quick salad, homemade Caesar dressing

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/fresh-kale-and-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-with-crispy-parmesan-crisps-easy-and-healthy/