Baby kale is relatively new on the salad scene. It’s less “toothsome” than its adult counterpart, and eats almost like a less peppery arugula. Baby kale is a fantastic way to get lots of vitamins and minerals into your diet without the carbs, and it’s perfect in this Easy Kale Caesar Salad. Chicharrones add just the right crispy crunch if you want to mix things up from bread-based croutons.
You’ll love this rich, flavorful easy kale caesar salad.
Can you use regular kale in this salad?
Yes! I recommend removing it from the tough stems, and then massaging it a bit first to breakdown the tough cellulose that makes it a bit hard to eat.
You can also make this with arugula or any other salad greens you prefer.
Featuring Balanced Bites GARLIC LEMON PEPPER, TRIFECTA, or SUPER TRIFECTA spice blends, this salad is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.4 pounds chicken thighs
- GARLIC LEMON PEPPER Spice Blend, TRIFECTA Spice Blend or SUPER TRIFECTA Spice Blend
- 8 cups baby kale (see Notes)
- 1/2 cup Caesar Dressing
- 1/4 cup grated hard cheese such as Parmigiano−Reggiano or Pecorino Romano
FOR SERVING (optional)
- Chicharrones pork rinds (see Notes)
- Grated lemon zest
- GARLIC LEMON PEPPER Spice Blend, TRIFECTA Spice Blend or SUPER TRIFECTA Spice Blend
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs on all sides with TRIFECTA or SUPER TRIFECTA blend, then grill until the meat is cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.
Divide the kale and chicken slices among 4 plates, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of the dressing on each plate. Top with the grated cheese.
Add the chicharrones, lemon zest, and spice blends, if desired, before serving.
Notes
DAIRY-FREE?
Use the dairy-free version of the Caesar dressing and omit the cheese.
NOTES
If you can’t find baby kale, you can use arugula or Lacinato kale. To use Lacinato kale, remove the stems and finely chop the leaves, then squeeze it gently to break down some of its rigidity, so it begins to soften before you mix it with the dressing.
If you’re baking or grilling chicken thighs just for this recipe, depending on your protein needs, you may or may not need to use it all. Keep any extra on hand for snacks or easy meals.
The chicharrones provide crunch and replace croutons! They’re a delicious addition to this salad, but they’re not required. A few brands include 4505 (my favorite), EPIC, and Pork Clouds.