Kale Caesar Salad with Dairy-Free Dressing

This recipe appears in the Thrive Market cookbook, Healthy Living Made Easy. Get your copy, and find the ingredients in this shopping list.

Brighten up your greens with this Kale Caesar Salad with Dairy‑Free Dressing—a healthful, homemade twist on a classic, made entirely without dairy yet full of savory, tangy flavor. Rich nutritional yeast brings umami depth, while crisp bacon and creamy avocado deliver texture and richness without the cheese. Plus, a quick massage of kale with olive oil and salt softens the leaves to perfection.

This salad is naturally gluten-free and Paleo-friendly, ideal for whipping up in under 20 minutes. It’s vibrant enough for weekday lunches and elegant enough to serve at dinner parties—a fresh, veggie-forward staple that always impresses.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a colorful side, this dairy-free Caesar turns sturdy kale into something unforgettable—bright, slightly indulgent, and entirely homemade.

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Kale Caesar Salad and Dairy-Free Dressing

Recipe Details

Yield: 3 to 4 servings
Total Time: minutes

Recipe Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 bunches Tuscan kale, stalks removed and discarded, leaves sliced or torn into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Large pinch sea salt
• 4 strips smoked bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

For the Dairy-Free Caesar dressing

• 1 (2-ounce) can or 7 to 8 fillets anchovies, oil drained and discarded
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Juice of 1 ½ lemons
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Recipe Instructions

1. Massage the kale: Place prepared kale in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage by hand for about 3 minutes until the leaves shorten and deepen in color.
2. Make the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients (except black pepper) in a small food processor and blend until smooth. Season to taste with freshly ground pepper.
3. Assemble the salad: Drizzle dressing over the massaged kale and toss to coat evenly. Top with crumbled bacon, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and—as a finishing touch—optionally sprinkle extra nutritional yeast.

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Kale Caesar Salad (Dairy-Free Dressing) Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (yield: 3-4 servings as per recipe).

≈ 23 g

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	≈ 285 kcal
Protein	≈ 7 g
Carbs	≈ 12 g
Sugar	≈ 2 g
Fiber	≈ 4 g
Fat

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Variations & Tips for This Salad Recipe

• Vegan option: Use coconut bacon or smoked tempeh instead of classic bacon to keep smoky contrast without meat.
• Increase creaminess: Blend in half a small silken tofu cube or extra avocado into the dressing for added density.
• Mild version: Reduce the anchovies to 5 fillets or omit entirely for a gentler flavor (keep nutritional yeast for umami).
• Lemon brightness: Add extra lemon zest or a splash more lemon juice to brighten the dressing.
• Make ahead: Massage and dress the kale up to a few hours prior; add avocado and bacon just before serving for texture.

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Favorite Pairings for This Salad

• Garlic-roasted chicken or turkey — lean protein pairs beautifully with the dressed greens.
• Grilled salmon or shrimp — citrus and herb notes in the salad echo fish flavors.
• Roasted sweet potatoes or root vegetables — adds sweetness and depth to the plate.
• Crusty gluten-free bread or herbed flatbread — use to soak up leftover dressing.
• Fruit & nut salad (apples, walnuts) — crisp and fresh contrast to kale texture.

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Best Times for a Salad

• Weeknight dinners — fast, satisfying salad that feels special.
• Brunch gatherings — refreshing plate that pairs with eggs or grains.
• Holiday spreads — dairy-free Caesar adds variety to traditional sides.
• Potlucks or salad bars — holds up well without wilting quickly.
• Meal prep lunches — pre-massaged kale stays better dressed than many green salads.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont