Parmesan Crunch Kale Caesar Salad

Parmesan Crunch Kale Caesar Salad
Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 large bunch lacinato (Tuscan) kale, washed, stems removed and chopped down into small even slices.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

For the Crispy Breadcrumbs:

2 slices sturdy bread (sourdough or country loaf)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of salt

For the Caesar Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1-1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
1 small garlic clove, finely grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1-2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (optional but recommended)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, if needed

Directions:

1. Make the breadcrumbs:

Preheat oven to 300 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Tear the bread slices into small pieces, add them to the bowl. Toss until all the pieces of bread are coated evenly. Spread the bread evenly onto the lined sheetpan then bake for 30-40 min until golden, crisp, and fragrant. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then pulverize in the sheet pan using a mallet (remove parchment paper first) or run briefly through the food processor.

2. Prepare the Kale:

Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Cover the kale with hot water (110-115 F). Let the kale soak for 10 min to slightly soften the greens without cooking them. Strain the water from the kale and use a salad spinner (or towel) to remove excess water.

3. Prepare the dressing:

In a food processor blend the mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, Dijon, Worcestershire, anchovies, lemon juice, and black pepper until smooth and thick. Taste and increase seasoning and lemon juice if needed.

4. Assemble:

In a large bowl add kale, 2/3 of the dressing, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Toss to combine and add more dressing as desired (the kale should be well coated but not swimming). Serve immediately while the breadcrumbs are still crunchy.