Caesar salad is a widely beloved dish found in almost every corner. Its popularity is well-deserved; not only does it taste delicious, but when prepared correctly, as in the kale Caesar salad recipe I'm sharing, it can also be nutritious.
However, let's face it. Despite its name, a traditional Caesar salad isn't exactly the epitome of healthiness.
That changes with my kale Caesar salad. While we maintain the essential components — the greens and that irresistible dressing — we elevate it with additions like salmon, apple slices, and cheese. This revamped Caesar salad is not only nutritious but also irresistibly delicious, guaranteeing you'll keep coming back for more.
Yes, I'm aware of the history behind the Caesar salad's name, credited to chef Caesar Cardini, who improvised the dish with available ingredients and created a culinary sensation.
Indeed, while Caesar salads are undeniably delicious, they often lack substantial filling, fiber-rich components, or protein. The typical ingredients include romaine lettuce, croutons, creamy dressing, and Parmesan cheese, which might leave you feeling hungry shortly after consumption due to the absence of satiating elements.
To address this, incorporating additional ingredients such as grilled chicken, salmon, chickpeas, or a variety of vegetables can enhance the salad's nutritional value and increase its satiety factor.
Absolutely, the calorie content of a classic Caesar salad can indeed vary depending on factors like portion size and additional toppings. While a cup of the salad might contain around 200 calories, restaurant servings often provide much larger portions, sometimes triple or quadruple the size, significantly increasing the calorie count. Moreover, beyond the lettuce, the nutritional value of a traditional Caesar salad is relatively low.
However, with the kale Caesar salad recipe I'm sharing, you can enjoy a healthier option. By incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients like kale, salmon, apple slices, and cheese, this salad offers not only a delicious taste but also increased nutritional value, making it a more satisfying and wholesome choice.
This revamped Caesar salad is a delightful surprise you didn't realize you were missing, and it's incredibly beneficial for your health! With every serving of salad topped with cashew cream dressing, you'll enjoy:
To start, we'll substitute some of the romaine lettuce with baby kale. This simple swap introduces the superfood's abundance of vitamins A, C, and K, along with its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.
Kale is fantastic for your heart health, as it helps lower cholesterol levels and aids in detoxifying the body by eliminating toxins. Let's give a round of applause to kale for its valuable contribution to this nutritious salad!
Adding wild-caught salmon to this kale Caesar salad is a delightful twist that brings numerous health benefits. Salmon is rich in vitamins, particularly B vitamins and vitamin D, making it a superb anti-inflammatory food. What's more, salmon is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health, cognitive function, and reducing the risk of cancer.
Ensuring an adequate intake of omega-3s is crucial, as a deficiency can lead to inflammation, allergies, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, particularly with age. Fortunately, salmon is a great source of omega-3s. However, it's essential to choose wild-caught salmon over farmed varieties, as farmed fish may contain fewer nutrients and potentially harmful substances like antibiotics and pesticides.
Another fantastic addition to this salad is thinly sliced green apple. While croutons provide crunch without much nutritional value, crisp apple slices offer a satisfying crunch along with valuable nutrients.
Moreover, the cashew Caesar dressing drizzled on top is completely dairy-free, making it a versatile option for various recipes beyond this salad.
Absolutely! Whether you're serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main course, this Kale Caesar Salad with wild-caught salmon and Cashew Caesar dressing is sure to impress. So, are you ready to dig in and enjoy this delicious and nutritious salad? Let's chow down!
Start by making the Cashew Caesar dressing and setting it aside. Then in a large mixing bowl, combine the kale and romaine.
Next, add in the sliced apple…
and then the radish.
Then use your hands to mix it all up until it’s well-combined. We want a taste of that delicious cashew dressing in every bite!
Using your hands is a great way to ensure that all the ingredients are well-combined and coated with the delicious cashew Caesar dressing.
Add the salad to a large salad bowl and then add the final ingredients: salmon, manchego cheese and green onions.
Sprinkle the salad with salt and pepper, serve and enjoy!
Indulge in the irresistible combination of salmon, apple slices, and Manchego cheese in this healthy Kale Caesar Salad. Once you try it, you won't be able to resist coming back for more! Give it a try today!