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.

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.

Appetizers That Pair Beautifully

• Butternut Squash Soup Shots — Velvety and comforting, they prep the palate for the savory kale Caesar.
• Marinated Olive Tapas — Bold and briny, perfect before a bright salad.
• Herbed Mini Frittatas — Light egg bites that echo the salad’s herbaceous notes.
• Grilled Artichoke Dip with Crudités — Creamy and smoky, a great textural contrast.
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates — Sweet and salty finger food that balances the greens perfectly.

Main Courses That Match This Salad

• Garlic-Roasted Chicken — Classic, juicy, and aromatic, this protein rounds out the salad perfectly.
• Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Dill — Bright citrus and herbs mirror the tangy dairy-free dressing.
• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms — A hearty vegetarian entrée that complements kale’s earthy flavor.
• Pan-Seared Steak with Herb Butter — Bold, savory richness balanced by the crisp freshness of the salad.
• Lentil & Vegetable Stew — Plant-based comfort food that pairs nicely with a fresh green side.

When This Salad Is A Great Option

1. Everyday healthy lunches
2. Wellness brunches
3. Holiday Paleo or gluten-free holiday sides
4. Potlucks with diverse dietary needs
5. Office lunch gatherings
6. Post-gym recovery meals
7. Garden parties or spring luncheons
8. Meal-prep for busy weeks
9. Small dinner parties
10. Cook-alongs or virtual cooking classes
11. Diet-conscious gatherings (Whole30, Paleo, dairy-free)
12. Farm-to-table supper clubs
13. Light lunch served buffet-style
14. Wellness retreats
15. Make-ahead weekday dinners
16. Healthy recipe swaps
17. Mindful eating events
18. Virtual brunch meetups
19. Backyard al fresco meals
20. Kid-friendly lunch with added protein

Photo credit: Paul Delmont