Tuscan Kale Caesar Salad
Caesar salads have always been labeled a high-caloric guilty pleasure. Well, I say eat what you want and add some kale to it when in doubt! This bowl of yum can be customized with chicken or salmon, but I chose crumbled bacon and white beans. How will you make yours?
Week of Salads / Day Two
Tuscany is known for its pancetta, parmesan cheese, and tomatoes.
I’m all for mixing store-bought/pre-made items with fresh or home made ones when it makes a dish easier.
The secret to amazing salad is salting and spicing your ingredients before mixing in.
COST: $
Prep Time: 10 MIN
Cook Time: 5 MIN
Serving Size: 1-2
Tools
Chef’s Knife
Skillet Pan
Bowls
Tongs
Whisk
Microwave or Small Pan
Food Processor (optional)
Ingredients
Salad:
1 Bunch Kale, chopped
1/4 Cucumber, diced
4-6 Cherry Tomatoes, sliced
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 Cup White Beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 TSP Dried Basil
1/4 TSP Dried Oregano
1/4 TSP Dried Dill
Salt/Pepper to taste
1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1 Lemon, squeezed
1/4 Cup Caesar Dressing
1/2 Cup Croutons or Toasted Bread Crust
3 Bacon Strips, cooked and blended to crumbled texture, or bacon bits
Instructions
1. Bruise the Kale by squeezing or using a rolling pin. Next, chop it fairly well, then add 2 TBS Olive Oil and squeeze 1/2 lemon in. Toss and set aside.
2. Prep the veggies and set aside.
3. In a small bowl add the tomatoes with a pinch of salt, pepper and olive oil. In a second small bowl, add the cucumbers with a pinch of salt, pepper, dill, and 1 TSP olive oil. Let marinate for at least 5 minutes.
4. You can make the dressing, or if you’re like me when it comes to caesar, use your favorite brand and dilute it with some olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Cook the bacon well done, blot and add into a food processor to crumble. (you can also chop the bacon or use bacon bits) Set aside.
6. Mix the 1/4 TSP dried Oregano and Basil into the white beans. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and a dash of olive oil. Microwave for 1 min or quick steam in a pan. Set aside.
7. In the bowl of Kale add the veggies, parmesan, croutons and beans with the dressing. Toss until thoroughly coated.
8. Plate, top with more parmesan and enjoy!
Delish!
