Baby Kale & Shredded Chicken Caesar Salad

I’ve always been kinda ehhh about kale… It’s sorta rough and I never chop it into small enough pieces….

But baby kale? Baby kale is my jam! So cute and delicious and hellooooo healthy.

Now I’m going to call this a “Chicken Caesar salad” because I didn’t use any anchovies or anchovy paste in the Caesar dressing. I feel like to be called a true caesar that it needs anchovies BUT it’s freaking delicious anyways so I don’t care that much lol.

I made this Chicken Caesar salad the other weekend for friends and decided that it was good, but needed a little extra something. And that extra something was different nuts (sliced almonds instead of pine nuts) and protein… shredded chicken!

Sooo let’s talk about ingredients… we start with a bed of baby kale, add a sprinkle of sliced almonds and crotons, then another sprinkle of shredded chicken, and top it all off with a drizzle (or four) of our creamy caesar dressing and parmesan. I recommend shaved parmesan, even though I have shredded it pictured here…

Mr. Brady bought the wrong kind at the grocery store, ha! For the chicken, I made mine extra easy and stupid fast in my Instant Pot, but you can make it any way you choose, then just shred it and toss it into this amazing baby kale Chicken Caesar salad!

Finally, let’s discuss the best part of this salad… our creamy Caesar dressing!! So tangy, creamy, tasty, and EASY. All you do is add olive oil, minced garlic, plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar to a mason jar, then shake it like crazy and boom!

The BEST creamy Caesar dressing to drench our baby kale and shredded chicken Caesar salad in. Sound good to you? GOOD.

INGREDIENTS

• 10 oz baby kale
• 1 pound cooked and shredded boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup shaved or shredded parmesan + extra for garnish
• 1-2 cups croutons
• creamy Caesar dressing (see below)

Creamy Caesar Dressing

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• juice of one lemon
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Healthy pinch of sea salt and black pepper

How to make Baby Kale & Shredded Chicken Caesar Salad?

Step 1:

Toss baby kale, shredded chicken, almonds, parmesan, and croutons together in a large bowl.

Step 2:

Make creamy Caesar dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a mason jar, then shake until completely combined.

Step 3:

Drizzle dressing over salad, garnish with extra parmesan, then serve!

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You don’t need much to make this salad, just a few common tools:

• Large salad bowl
• Tongs or salad spoons
• Mason jar or small container with a lid
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Garlic press (optional, but helpful)

WHAT TO EAT WITH THIS BABY KALE & SHREDDED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD?

I always thought Chicken Caesar salad was out of my league. No thanks! But this Baby Kale & Shredded Chicken Caesar Salad proved me wrong. I used store-bought dressing and buttery garlic croutons and seasoned the chicken with Parmesan and herbs.

My son wiped out the bowl before I could grab seconds. It’s become our go-to light dinner. I usually serve it alongside Quick & Easy BLT Roasted Garlic Fettuccine, and if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add cheesy garlic bread, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a citrusy cucumber mint water.

Simple, satisfying, and way better than takeout.

FAQ

What is the baby kale & shredded chicken Caesar salad made of?

It’s made of baby kale leaves, chicken, sliced almonds, croutons, shaved parmesan cheese, and a homemade Caesar dressing.

What does this chicken Caesar salad taste like?

It tastes tangy from the dressing, salty from the parmesan, nutty from the almonds, and crunchy from the croutons.

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes.

Is baby kale better than regular kale?

Baby kale is softer and milder in flavor.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely.

How long does the dressing last?

If stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, the dressing will stay fresh for about a week.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes.

Is it healthy?

Yes.

Can I make it vegetarian?

You sure can.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can use sour cream or mayonnaise as a substitute in the dressing.