Description
This Avocado Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potato Fries is a vibrant, nutritious dish featuring a creamy avocado-based Caesar dressing that perfectly complements the hearty kale and crunchy toppings. The salad is fresh, flavorful, and can easily be made vegan by omitting mayonnaise. Served alongside crispy sweet potato fries, this recipe is a satisfying and healthy meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad and Dressing
- 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 (suggested)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Cut the avocado in half. Reserve one half for the salad. Place the other half in a blender along with the water, mayonnaise (if using), garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prepare the Kale: Remove the stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale into a large salad bowl.
- Toss the Kale with Dressing: Pour the avocado Caesar dressing over the chopped kale. Toss thoroughly to ensure the kale is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Add Toppings: Add a handful of pepitas and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dressed kale. Toss gently to distribute the toppings.
- Finish the Salad: Cut the reserved half of avocado into cubes and scatter them over the salad for added texture and richness.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cut sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until fries are crispy and tender.
- Serve: Plate the kale Caesar salad alongside the crispy sweet potato fries and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- The creamy avocado Caesar dressing can be made vegan by omitting mayonnaise or substituting with a vegan alternative.
- Adding sweet potato fries provides a delicious and wholesome side that complements the salad perfectly.
- For added crunch and nutrition, pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are a great topping option.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice in the dressing according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of salad with sweet potato fries)
- Calories: 311
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 667.3 mg
- Fat: 26.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8.8 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Protein: 11.7 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg
