This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more information.
Creamy dressing, crunchy kale and crispy parmesan toasts = salad perfection.
Halloween candy overload? Yep, me too.
We always have a well-stocked candy jar in our house. Believe it or not, I’m usually not tempted by it. And my boys are so conditioned to it, that they rarely dig in other than occasionally grabbing a mini bar for a quick dessert. But then Halloween rolls around and all self control goes out the window.
I begin mentally rationing out M&M’s and debate skipping the granola on my morning yogurt in favor of a couple mini Reese’s cups. I’m busy doing candy bar math (how many minis equal one regular size) and trying to figure out a way to talk my kids into parting with the last Mounds bar.
It’s gotta stop. It’s time to hit the reset button.
And reset we will. With this kale caesar salad.
This is a clean, crisp and classic salad. It makes for a great starter, a light lunch or an easy dinner topped off with a piece of grilled fish or chicken. Instead of regular croutons, I slice up a baguette and broil it with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. It has the right amount of cheesy crunch and it’s just the bridge I need to cross back from candy bar decadence to reasonable meals.
I may miss the pumpkin shaped peppermint patties and tiny Twix’s, but I won’t miss the candy crash. And I have to keep my wits about me to tackle all of the Thanksgiving recipes I have swirling around my brain. That’s right, I’m ready to turn my jack o’lanterns into pumpkin pies and get my Thanksgiving on. I’ll be posting the first of many Thanksgiving inspired dishes this Friday. And next Monday I’ll be sharing a “virtual Thanksgiving party” with a few of my very talented blogger friends. So much to look forward to during this time of year! Maybe I’ll have just one more piece of candy before it all gets started…
- Caesar Dressing
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp anchovy paste
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
-
- Parmesan Toasts
- 1 baguette sliced on the bias
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
-
- 1 bunch Lacinato Tuscan kale, stems removed and thinly sliced
- 5 oz baby kale
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shaved
-
Dressing: Whisk all ingredients except olive oil together in a small bowl, and then add the oil in a steady stream while continually whisking. Alternatively the dressing can be blended in a food processor or mini prep. Set aside.
-
Parmesan Toasts: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread out the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden, about 10 minutes.
-
Sprinkle the toasts with grated parmesan cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and the toasts are golden brown. Watch carefully so the toasts don't burn!
-
Salad: Toss the kale with enough dressing to coat, ideallyl 30 mins before eating. Toss with shaved parm and serve with parmesan toasts and extra dressing on the side.
0
Alida | Simply Delicious says
That looks simply awesome! And so wholesome and delicious after the excess of Halloween!
Cathy says
Thanks Alida! My body is desperate for some healthy food!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
I totally need a reset! I did manage to keep candy out of the house until Halloween but yesterday was full on crazy candy consumption. I am so ready to start celebrating Thanksgiving with you! Love the kale salad!
Cathy says
so glad i wasn’t alone in over-doing it! bring on Thanksgiving!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Perfect post for the day after Halloween Cathy!! I didn’t overload on candy because my boys aren’t home, but I’ll still take this salad!
Cathy says
i’m jealous Mary Ann. I’ve got to start showing some self restraint!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I will cross that cheesy crunchy bridge any day of the week and be happy with my destination! With the kids grown and very few kids Trick-or-Treating on our street these days (we got 11) there’s really no reason to keep a lot of candy in the house. Now – that did not stop us from scooting out for some Frozen Yogurt with all the fun candy toppings when it was safe to call it a night… So, yes – this salad still comes at just the right time!!
Cathy says
I’d be right there with you Annie. It just wouldn’t be Halloween without a little indulgence!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I love your kale version of caesar salad and those parmesan toasts are perfect with it!
Cathy says
Thanks Jennifer. Nothing like cheesy bread to make salad even better!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Being allergic to chocolate really helps with the candy situation. I can’t eat a good amount of the candy out there, so it’s easy for me to say no. Lol. While it does stink to be allergic, there are times (like Halloween) I am thankful! 😉 Anyways, I’m always down for a reset regardless of what I’ve been eating, and this Kale salad looks like the perfect way to do just that!! LOVE the creamy dressing and those parmesan toasts are just perfection, Kathy! I’m thinking this with a bit of grilled chicken may be my dinner tonight! YUM! Cheers, friend!
Cathy says
I don’t think I could make it without chocolate, but it would definitely make Halloween a whole lot easier! And yes to adding grilled chicken to this salad. Makes for a great, light meal.
Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon says
That kale caesar looks like a great way to add some health back into our lives as we say goodbye to Halloween and hello to Thanksgiving. I’ve been adding kale to my soups lately, but maybe I need to save some out for a salad!
Cathy says
Now you’ve inspired me to add kale to my soups!