Name: Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 heads kale (thinly sliced); 1 large bulb garlic (roasted); ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated); ½ cup whole milk Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon anchovy paste (optional); 1 tablespoon cider vinegar; sea salt (to taste)

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Are you ready to elevate your salad game? Look no further than this Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic! This vibrant dish combines the robust flavors of kale with the rich, creamy goodness of a homemade Caesar dressing, all while adding a fiery kick that will tantalize your taste buds. Topped with roasted garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan, this salad is not just a side dish; it’s a star on its own. Perfect for a light lunch or as a complement to your dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic is not just another salad; it’s a flavor-packed dish that brings together health and indulgence. The kale provides a nutrient-rich base, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, while the roasted garlic adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. The spicy dressing, incorporating Greek yogurt for creaminess, delivers the classic Caesar taste with a modern twist. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a crowd-pleasing side for your next gathering, this salad deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Ingredient Breakdown

To achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 heads kale – Thinly sliced, providing a hearty base.
1 large bulb garlic – Roasted to enhance its natural sweetness.
½ cup parmesan cheese – Grated, to taste, adding a nutty richness.
½ cup whole milk Greek yogurt – For a creamy dressing that’s lower in fat.
3 tablespoons mayonnaise – This will add an extra layer of creaminess.
1 tablespoon sriracha – To bring the heat with a tangy kick.
2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for a zesty brightness.
1 tablespoon stone ground mustard – For a hint of tang and texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil – A healthy fat to round out the dressing.
1 tablespoon anchovy paste – This adds depth and umami flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
1 tablespoon cider vinegar – To enhance the tanginess of the dressing.
Sea salt – To taste, enhancing all the flavors.

Toolbox for This Recipe

Cutting Board – For slicing the kale and garlic.
Knife – A sharp knife makes quick work of slicing.
Mixing Bowl – To combine your ingredients for the dressing.
Baking Sheet – For roasting the garlic.
Whisk – To blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Salad Bowl – For serving the finished salad.

How to Prepare Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the whole bulb of garlic and slice off the top, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and place it on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Let it cool slightly before squeezing the roasted garlic out of the skins.

Step 2: Prepare the Kale

While the garlic is roasting, prepare the kale. Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and thinly slice them into ribbons. Rinse the kale under cold water and spin dry using a salad spinner or pat dry with a clean towel. Place the kale in a large salad bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine the whole milk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, stone ground mustard, olive oil, anchovy paste (if using), and cider vinegar. Squeeze in the roasted garlic, using a fork to mash it into the mixture. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt as desired.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the sliced kale and toss gently to coat the leaves evenly. Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to soften slightly.

Step 5: Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Give it one last gentle toss, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic!

Substitutions by Diet

Dairy-Free: Substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and vegan mayonnaise.
Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise, and omit the anchovy paste.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary.
Lower Fat: Reduce the amount of mayonnaise or omit it entirely, using more Greek yogurt instead.

Chef’s Rationale

This Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic strikes the perfect balance between health and flavor. Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients, and when paired with the creamy, spicy dressing, it becomes a dish that’s not only satisfying but also nourishing. Roasting the garlic elevates its flavor profile, turning a strong ingredient into something sweet and mellow that beautifully complements the salad. Homemade dressings allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and tailored to your taste.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to keep the kale crisp. Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to serve the leftovers, drizzle the dressing on the salad just before enjoying to maintain the best texture.

Questions People Ask

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dressing and roast the garlic ahead of time. However, it’s best to toss the salad right before serving to keep the kale fresh and crunchy.

What can I serve with this salad?

This Spicy Kale Caesar Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even as a side to a hearty pasta dish. It also makes a great standalone light meal.

How do I make this salad spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add more sriracha to the dressing or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the salad before serving. You can also try adding sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!

Is there a substitute for anchovy paste?

If you prefer not to use anchovy paste, you can substitute it with a tablespoon of soy sauce or simply omit it altogether for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic is a delightful twist on a classic that will impress your family and friends. With its robust flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that brings both comfort and health to the table. The next time you’re in the mood for something fresh and exciting, remember this salad! It’s a perfect option for any occasion, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy your cooking adventure!