Woah! What a summer! I totally dropped the ball on Kaleigh’s Kitchen over the past few months but it feels like I just blinked and it was September! I did a three month low risk obstetrics fellowship which was really busy and after that I travelled and worked and slept and now here we are! Going to try to be better because I really enjoy making content for the creative outlet and connecting with people on my insta and website!

My cousin Katie introduced me to this salad over the summer and I just love it! I made it for a big crowd for Romy’s birthday and it was a hit - made a double batch that totally disappeared. Since then I’ve made it quite a few times as I’m constantly craving it. Her recipe had several steps for making the dressing, but I just toss everything in the vitamix because I’m lazy.

Kale Caesar Salad

Salad Ingredients

1 large bunch curly kale
1-2 cups toasted walnuts
1/2 - 1 cup parmesan cheese flakes
1/2 red onion, finely sliced
pack of crispy bacon

Dressing Ingredients

1 2oz can oil-packed anchovies, drained
2 cloves garlic
3 large egg yolks
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp EVOO
1/2 cup avocado oil
3 Tbsp parmesan cheese
salt + pepper to taste

Directions

If you haven’t done the bacon in advance, I put it in the oven on a baking sheet covered in parchment at 400C for about 20 minutes. Then I drain the fat off the sheet, put it back in the oven and watch it every minute or two until it is done to my liking. When it’s done, chop it up - I like to leave it kind of big.
Walnuts I likewise toast in oven at 400 but only for a minute or two. They’ll burn! You have to watch them super carefully.
Put all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and give it a whirl. Even if you don’t like anchovies - try adding them the first time. It changes the taste of the dressing in a good way without being overpowering. Trust.
De-stem the kale from any large stalks and chop.
Put kale in large bowl and cover with dressing. With clean hands, massage the dressing into the kale. Then add all the salad ingredients at levels to your liking. I like a high topping to salad ratio.

I hope you like this as much as I (we) do!

xoxo

Kaleigh