Enlightened Caesar Salad

Lighten up your mealtime with this "Enlightened Caesar Salad," a wholesome twist on the classic favorite! Packed with a nutritious blend of crisp romaine hearts and tenderized kale, this salad delivers a deliciously modern take on Caesar. The creamy dressing swaps traditional mayonnaise for protein-rich Greek yogurt, enhanced with zesty lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and optional anchovy paste for an authentic flavor boost. Topped with golden, homemade whole-grain croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, every bite offers a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. Ready in just 30 minutes, this health-conscious Caesar salad is perfect as a satisfying lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a star at your next gathering. Fresh, flavorful, and guilt-free, this recipe redefines comfort food in the best way!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 hearts Romaine lettuce
• 2 cups Kale leaves
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 slices Whole grain bread
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large Garlic clove
• 0.5 teaspoon Anchovy paste (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Slice the whole grain bread into 1-inch cubes to make croutons. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3

Spread the bread cubes onto a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Set aside to cool.

Step 4

Wash and dry the romaine lettuce and kale. Tear the romaine into bite-sized pieces and massage the kale with a pinch of salt to tenderize it. Combine both in a large salad bowl.

Step 5

To prepare the dressing, finely mince the garlic or use a garlic press. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and black pepper. Slowly add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil while whisking to combine.

Step 6

Grate the Parmesan cheese and add half of it to the Greek yogurt dressing, stirring to mix well.

Step 7

Drizzle the dressing over the greens in the salad bowl. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.

Step 8

Top the salad with the baked croutons and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy your 'Enlightened Caesar Salad' with a touch of freshness and crunch!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1616.4 grams (1616.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	860

Total Fat 42.60g	55%
Saturated Fat 9.90g	50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 27mg	9%
Sodium 2304mg	100%
Total Carbohydrate 83.90g	31%
Dietary Fiber 23.10g	83%
Total Sugars 18.80g
Protein 47.40g	95%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1030mg	79%
Iron 16mg	87%
Potassium 3354mg	71%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.2%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 36.9%