Kale Caesar Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing and Grilled Chicken
Savor the freshness of kale paired with the tangy zest of lemon garlic dressing topped with succulent grilled chicken in this Mediterranean-inspired Kale Caesar Salad. A perfect blend of greens, protein, and flavor that's both nourishing and satisfying.
Equipment
- Grill
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Salad bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Ingredients
Lemon Garlic Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Grilled Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 1/2 pounds or 680 grams
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Kale Caesar Salad
- 8 cups chopped kale about 200 grams
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese 50 grams
- 1/4 cup whole grain croutons 15 grams
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Start by preparing the Lemon Garlic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
- While the chicken is grilling, place the chopped kale in a large salad bowl. Pour half of the Lemon Garlic Dressing over the kale and massage the leaves with your hands for about 2 minutes to soften them.
- Add the shaved Parmesan cheese and croutons to the kale, and toss to combine.
- Divide the salad among four plates, top with slices of grilled chicken, and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
- Serve the Kale Caesar Salad with additional lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, omit the grilled chicken or substitute with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Feel free to add other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives for added flavor and variety.
The Lemon Garlic Dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.