Description
A vibrant and creamy Avocado Kale Caesar Salad paired perfectly with crispy Sweet Potato Fries. This refreshing salad features kale tossed in a luscious avocado-based Caesar dressing, enriched with garlic, lemon, and Dijon mustard, topped with Parmesan and crunchy pepitas. Quick to prepare and can easily be made vegan by omitting mayonnaise, making it a flavorful, nutritious meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Avocado Kale Caesar Salad
- 1 avocado, divided
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional – see notes)
- 2 small cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed, chopped (5-6 cups)
- Parmesan cheese and/or pepitas for topping
Sweet Potato Fries (optional side)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Cut the avocado in half. Reserve one half to be added later to the salad. In a blender, combine the other half of the avocado with 1/2 cup water, mayonnaise (if using), garlic cloves, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss the kale: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Pour the creamy avocado dressing over the kale and toss thoroughly to ensure every leaf is coated evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle a handful of pepitas and Parmesan cheese over the dressed kale. Toss again gently to combine all ingredients.
- Finish the salad: Dice the reserved half avocado into cubes and fold them carefully into the salad at the end to keep their shape and texture intact. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
- Optional – Prepare sweet potato fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the peeled and cut sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden. Serve fries alongside the salad.
Notes
- This salad can easily be made vegan by omitting mayonnaise or using a vegan alternative.
- Kale stems are removed to avoid toughness, ensuring a pleasant texture.
- The creamy avocado dressing is a healthy alternative to traditional Caesar dressings.
- For extra crunch and nutrition, pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are recommended among toppings.
- Serve this salad with sweet potato fries for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of salad without fries)
- Calories: 311
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 667.3 mg
- Fat: 26.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8.8 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Protein: 11.7 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg
