Grilled Kale Caesar Salad

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This unique take on Caesar salad has all of the creamy, garlicky, smoky, salty, lemony flavor and appeal of a classic Caesar, but the grilled kale slightly softens the texture, while still lending a heartiness. Tossed in the creamy dressing and topped with Parmesan cheese shreds and croutons, this hearty salad is not only packed with flavor, but with good4uSM nutrition too!

4
6 tablespoons avocado oil-based mayonnaise
6 tablespoons Natural Grocers® Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus some to oil the grill grates
3 tablespoons organic Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons organic lemon juice, and optional zest from ½ the lemon
1 tablespoon organic gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
3 medium organic garlic cloves, minced
4 anchovy filets, minced
1⁄4 cup water
2 bunches organic curly leaf kale, rinsed and spun dry
1⁄4 cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Parmesan Cheese Shreds
1 cup gluten-free croutons, (if you are unable to find store bought, find link to recipe below)
Optional
  fresh ground organic black pepper, for serving

1. Prepare the grill to 350ᵒ F. Brush to clean the grates, add olive oil to a paper towel and lightly oil the grates.

2. In a large salad bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, oil, mustard, lemon juice (and zest if using), Worcestershire, garlic, anchovies, and water until well combined. If dressing is thicker than desired, add additional water 1-2 tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Transfer half of the dressing to small bowl and set aside.

3. Working in batches if necessary, lay the kale leaves flat on the grill and cook on both sides until the edges are beginning to brown and the kale starts to wilt, 3 to 4 minutes total. Transfer the kale from the grill to a baking sheet, spreading the leaves out to cool between batches.

4. Pull the grilled kale leaves from the stems in bite-size pieces and add to the salad bowl (discard the stems). Sprinkle with Parmesan shreds and croutons and toss to coat in the dressing. Optional: for a finer textured Parmesan cheese, pulse the cheese in a blender or food processor.

5. Divide among four salad plates and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Serve immediately.  

Note: Click here for Homemade Gluten-Free Croutons recipe.

Recommended Beverage: Wine

Recommended Style: Chardonnay

Recommended Brand: Frey Vineyards