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Kale chicken Caesar salad will become your new favourite, here we are making homemade Caesar dressing, with crispy chickpeas and seared chicken!
I am not going to lie, what makes this recipe is the Caesar dressing – There’s a reason Caesar dressing has stood the test of time—it’s bold, creamy, and packed with flavour that can elevate even the simplest salad. But let’s be real: the bottled stuff just doesn’t compare to the homemade version. When you make Caesar dressing from scratch, you unlock a whole new level of freshness and richness.
Kale Chicken Caesar Salad Dressing
Homemade Caesar dressing is the perfect balance of tangy lemon, savoury, and that unmistakable umami punch. And don’t even get me started on the texture—it’s velvety smooth, coating every leaf of kale in a way that feels indulgent yet totally worth it. Plus, you get to skip the preservatives and overly salty aftertaste that store-bought versions often have.
If you’ve never made your own Caesar dressing, now’s the time to take the plunge. It’s easier than you think, and once you taste the difference, you’ll never look back. Let’s dive into the recipe and start turning simple salads into show-stopping dishes!
Ingredients for Kale Chicken Caesar Salad
Let’s talk about what goes into this delicious and nutritious Kale Chicken Caesar Salad. You’ll need some fresh kale, of course – it’s the star of the show! For protein, we’re using grilled chicken breast. Don’t forget the homemade Caesar dressing; we’ll get into that later. Crispy chickpeas and parmesan cheese are must-haves for this Caesar salad. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of optional add-ins to boost flavour and nutrition.
Preparing the Kale
Now, kale can be a bit intimidating if you’re not used to working with it, but don’t worry! Start by giving it a good wash and dry. Then comes the fun part – de-stemming and chopping. Here’s a pro tip: massage that kale! It might sound weird, but giving your kale leaves a little massage helps tenderize them and makes them much more enjoyable to eat.
Key parts of the recipe:
- Caesar dressing
- Kale
- Crispy chickpeas
- Chicken breasts
- And any other toppings you like, sunflower seas, shallots, red onions, etc…
Grilling the Chicken
When it comes to the chicken, you have plenty of options, but for this recipe, we recommend tenderizing it for the best results. Take the desired number of chicken breasts and pound them to just under an inch in thickness. Then, season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle with a little olive oil for added moisture and flavour. Bake in the oven for 21–23 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. The key is to keep a close eye on it—perfectly cooked chicken should be juicy, never dry!
How to Make Homemade Caesar Dressing
Now, let’s dive into the dressing. Whether you prefer a classic version or a healthier twist, making it from scratch is easier than you might think. The secret lies in nailing the perfect consistency and flavour balance. Don’t hesitate to taste and tweak as you go—it’s all part of the process! If the dressing turns out a bit runny, simply pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help it firm up.
This dressing is an excellent base, experiment, add flavours like lemon zest, cilantro, taco seasoning, jalapenos and the list goes on!
Caesar Salad Topper: Crispy Chickpea Croutons
Chickpeas are about to take your salad game to the next level. Start by rinsing and patting them dry, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chilli seasoning. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and roast the chickpeas in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The result? Crispy, flavorful bites that will transform any salad!
Assembling the Kale Chicken Caesar Salad
Assembly time! Start by mixing your kale with the dressing – this helps distribute the flavour evenly. Then add your chicken, and chickpeas, and top with a little extra dressing. Finally, add any garnishes or final touches you like. It’s your salad, so make it your way!
Variations and Customizations
Not a meat-eater? No problem! There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options you can try. Feel free to add other veggies or fruits to mix things up. This recipe works well with prawns and turkey meatballs!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
The dressing will last in the fridge for up to 4-5 days in an air-tight container. Simple shake before using again.
FAQ Section
Let’s address some common questions:
Can you use pre-washed, bagged kale? Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver.
Wondering how long that homemade Caesar dressing will last? Generally, it’s good for about a week in the fridge.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping? Meal prep enthusiasts, rejoice! This salad can indeed be prepped for the week. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. If you’re reheating leftover chicken, the microwave works, but for best results, try quickly reheating it in a skillet.
Other Recipes You Should Try
Kale Chicken Caesar Salad
Equipment
- Blender or Hand blender
- 2 Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
- 1 Large Bowl
Ingredients
Crispy Chickpeas
- 1 can Chickpeas drained, rinsed, and dried thoroughly
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
Chicken
- 2 Chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp Olive oil
Caesar Dressing
- 1/4 cup Grapeseed oil
- 1/4p cup Olive oil
- 1 Egg Better the quality the thicker the dressing
- 3 tbsp White wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp Minced garlic
Instructions
Crispy Chickpeas
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- After rinsing the chickpeas, pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible helps them crisp up.
- In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add any additional seasonings if desired.
- Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not crowded. Bake for 30-35 minutes, shaking the pan every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. They’re ready when golden brown and crispy.
- Let the chickpeas cool for a few minutes (they’ll crisp up more as they cool). Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Chicken
- Preheat oven 375°F (190°C)
- Pound chicken breasts so they are tenderized and under an inch thick.
- Mix spices together and rub on both sides of the chicken and top with oil.
- Place chicken on a lined cookie sheet. Bake for 21-23 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Once done let rest for 5 minutes.
Caesar Dressing
- blend all ingredients together until emulsified.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days. Notes: The dressing can be used right away, but note, after 24 hours of sitting in the fridge the dressing will thicken.