![Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/UhB9oXnXEwZrbb8sUHEHbeH0SlE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2656101_HIHKa_0029-2000-d5b15b581fc2472ca5a44de02fdeb57a.jpg)
We firmly believe that healthy cooking shouldn't have to compromise on flavor. Case in point? Our Chopped Kale Salad with Toasted Breadcrumbs. In this 15-minute recipe inspired by a classic Caesar salad, we swap watery romaine for nutrient-rich kale and put our own spin on the salad's signature creamy dressing (our secret ingredient? Greek yogurt).
Our lightened-up Caesar salad is made with hearty greens, grated eggs, and toasted breadcrumbs so crunchy you won't miss the croutons. Quick tip: Save prep time by chopping the kale in batches in a food processor. Although this salad comes together quickly, you'll want to take a moment to thoroughly toss the kale with the dressing—massaging the dressing into the kale makes the greens easier to chew (not to mention more flavorful).
The grated hard-boiled eggs may seem unconventional, but they're a great way to sneak some extra protein into this weeknight-friendly salad. Rather than anchovies, this dressing gets its hit of umami from Worcestershire sauce, which replicates the tangy Caesar taste without any fishiness. Don't skimp on the Parmesan: It's the salty element that really ties the whole salad together.
This weeknight wonder pairs perfectly with any Italian entrée, from Spaghetti Bolognese to Chicken Scallopini. Or you can go the healthy-but-hearty route and pair this salad with a lean main, like roasted chicken or blackened shrimp.
Ingredients
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1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
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⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
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1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus 3 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon grated garlic (from 2 garlic cloves)
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1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
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8 cups finely chopped curly kale (from 1 [8-oz.] bunch)
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2 large hard-cooked eggs (grated on large holes of box grater)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high. Add panko breadcrumbs and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 5 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside.
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Whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, grated lemon zest plus fresh juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, grated garlic, and finely grated Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Add finely chopped curly kale; toss with tongs until kale is thoroughly coated. Gently fold in large hard-cooked eggs and panko mixture. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan.