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Erase everything you think you know about the classic caesar salad. Walk with me here….imagine the caesar salad as you know it, but minus the romaine. Also, add in chicken. And kale. And brussel sprouts. This chicken kale caesar salad is your favorite side salad, shining its light as a main course entree.
Kale and Brussel Sprouts
A tradition caesar salad uses romaine lettuce, maybe sometimes even iceberg. And nothing is wrong with either of those, but if you are looking to make every bite count, switch it up. I LOVE using kale in my salads for the health benefits, and I throw in brussel sprouts for the crunch, but the truth is both are awesome lettuce substitutes.
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense food you can find! 1 cup of kale has over 100% of your daily value of Vitamin A, K, and C. It also contains Vitamin B6, manganese, calcium, copper, magnesium, and potassium. In addition to the vitamins, kale also contains tons of antioxidants, making it a powerful cancer fighting, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure fighting food. Kale is also a great addition to your diet if you are looking to lower cholesterol.
Brussel sprouts, probably the most controversial veggie in history, are actually also extremely healthy additions to any diet. Brussel sprouts are a low calories veggie packed with nutrients. They are high in Vitamin K, C, and A. They are also high in fiber, making them great for digestion. Brussels are full of antioxidants, also making them a great immune booster and anti-inflammatory. Together, kale and brussel sprouts may become your go-to salad base if you are looking for an easy way to add essential nutrients to meals you already eat.
Chicken Kale Caesar Salad
This salad is probably the easiest recipe I will ever make. Only 5 minutes of prep, and enlisting the help of a pre-cooked chicken makes this salad a cinch. Start with 6 cups of washed and chopped kale in a large salad bowl. I like to season mine with a little salt and pepper and massage it for 1-2 minutes. This helps the kale get tender and easier to chew. During this process, I also take time to pick out any remaining, fibrous stems.
Next, add in 1 bag, or 1 1/2 cups of shredded brussel sprouts. This adds great crunch and tons of nutrients. Also add in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 1/2 cup of shaved parmesan, and 1 cup of croutons. I like to crush my croutons up. One, this makes them easier to get onto your fork, and two, it ensures a bit of crunch is in each bite!
Drizzle on 3/4 cup of your favorite caesar dressing, more or less to taste, and toss to combine. The beauty of kale and brussel sprouts is they do not wilt quickly like other lettuces. Feel free to make this a day in advance or a few hours before serving, as the greens will hold up and absorb the flavors beautifully. This chicken kale caesar salad can be served as a hearty side to a delicious family meal, but in my house, it is perfectly deserving of being the main entree.
Want More Salad Recipes?
- Asian Salmon Salad
- Harvest Salad
- Elote Pasta Salad
- Honey Mustard Cobb Salad
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Chicken Caprese Salad With Avocado
- Asian Chicken Salad
Chicken Kale Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups kale washed, torn/chopped into bite size pieces
- salt and pepper
- 9 oz shredded brussel sprouts 1 bag pre-shredded, or 1½cups thinly sliced brussel sprouts
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup shaved parmesan shredded works too, you just want larger pieced than grated parm
- 1 cup crushed croutons
- ¾ cup caesar dressing
Instructions
- In a large mixing or salad bowl, add kale and season to taste with salt and pepper. Massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes to make more tender.
- Add in remaining ingredients and toss. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge up to two days. Kale and brussel sprouts are firm and will not wilt with dressing added.
