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Winter Caesar Salad Recipe

Featured in Fresh and filling salads.

This Winter Caesar Salad transforms the classic into a hearty, cold-weather dish. What makes it special is the combination of robust winter greens - kale and brussels sprouts - with warm, spice-roasted butternut squash. The traditional caesar gets a healthy twist with a greek yogurt-based dressing that's just as creamy and flavorful as the original. The dijon-coated sourdough croutons add a gourmet touch and extra crunch, while the roasted butternut squash brings a sweet, caramelized element that makes this salad particularly satisfying for cooler months. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors that turns a simple salad into a filling main course.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:56:50 GMT
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Winter Caesar Salad with Dijon Breadcrumbs pin it
Winter Caesar Salad with Dijon Breadcrumbs | myhomemaderecipe.com

Transform the classic Caesar salad into a winter wonderland of flavors and textures with this hearty interpretation. Sturdy kale and shaved Brussels sprouts provide the perfect foundation for warm roasted squash, while tangy Greek yogurt dressing and Dijon-spiced breadcrumbs add layers of complexity that make each bite more interesting than the last. Through countless testing, I've discovered that the key to this salad's success lies in the careful preparation of each component.

After experimenting with different winter vegetables and dressing variations, I've found that taking time with each component transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Kale: Choose Tuscan (Lacinato) kale with deep green, firm leaves. Avoid any yellowing or wilted pieces. The leaves should be sturdy but pliable
  • Brussels Sprouts: Select tight, compact sprouts with vibrant green color. Smaller sprouts tend to have sweeter flavor and better texture when raw
  • Squash: Butternut squash works best for its firm texture and sweet flavor. Look for squash with a matte, beige surface and no soft spots

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Vegetable Preparation:
Strip kale leaves from stems. Stack leaves and slice thinly. Trim Brussels sprout ends. Slice sprouts very thinly. Peel and cube squash uniformly. Keep all pieces consistent size. Set vegetables aside separately.
Creating the Perfect Dressing:
Start with room temperature yogurt. Whisk yogurt until completely smooth. Add garlic, anchovy paste gradually. Incorporate lemon juice and Dijon. Slowly drizzle in olive oil. Add Parmesan last. Season with black pepper. Let flavors meld minimum 30 minutes.
Roasting the Squash:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss squash with olive oil. Season with smoked paprika. Add oregano and chili powder. Spread on baking sheet. Leave space between pieces. Roast until golden edges form. Turn halfway through cooking.
Dijon Breadcrumb Development:
Heat olive oil in small pan. Add minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard. Toss with breadcrumbs. Toast until golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Season while still warm. Let cool completely.
Caesar Salad with Dijon Breadcrumbs Recipe pin it
Caesar Salad with Dijon Breadcrumbs Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

Growing up, winter salads always seemed like an afterthought until I learned how to make them shine. My mother taught me that taking time with each ingredient, especially the kale massage, makes all the difference.

Understanding Texture Balance

The key to an engaging winter salad lies in contrasting textures. The tender roasted squash plays against the crisp Brussels sprouts, while the breadcrumbs add necessary crunch.

Temperature Interplay

The warm squash slightly wilts the greens where they touch, creating interesting texture variations throughout the salad. This makes every bite slightly different and more interesting.

Winter Caesar Salad Recipe pin it
Winter Caesar Salad Recipe | myhomemaderecipe.com

This salad has become my winter entertaining staple, proving that salads can be both hearty and elegant. The way the warm squash releases its aroma when it hits the crisp greens, how the Dijon breadcrumbs add their savory crunch - it's a perfect example of how winter produce can create something truly memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep components separately - make the dressing, roast the squash, and prepare the croutons up to a day ahead. Just wait to dress and assemble the salad until ready to serve.
→ Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can skip the anchovy paste in the dressing and add a splash of soy sauce or capers for that umami flavor. The salad will still be delicious!
→ How do I properly massage kale?
After adding olive oil to the chopped kale, use your hands to gently squeeze and rub the leaves for 1-2 minutes. This helps break down the tough fibers and makes the kale more tender.
→ Can I use different squash?
Yes! Acorn squash or sweet potato would work well as substitutes for butternut squash. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
→ How long does the dressing keep?
The greek yogurt caesar dressing will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before using.

Winter Kale Caesar Salad

This cozy Winter Caesar Salad combines hearty kale, brussels sprouts, and roasted butternut squash with a creamy greek yogurt dressing and dijon croutons.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing

01 4 garlic cloves, minced
02 3 tablespoons greek yogurt
03 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
04 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
05 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
06 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
07 ½ lemon, juiced
08 ⅓ cup olive oil
09 Kosher salt and pepper to taste

→ Salad Base

10 6 cups torn chopped tuscan kale
11 2 to 3 cups shredded brussels sprouts
12 4 cups cubed butternut squash
13 2 cups sourdough bread cubes
14 ⅓ cup shaved parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

15 4 tablespoons olive oil
16 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 1 teaspoon garlic powder
18 ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
19 Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Combine garlic, yogurt, parmesan, mustard, vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor. Blend until pureed, then stream in olive oil while running to create a creamy dressing.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss butternut cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Roast for 18-22 minutes, flipping once.

Step 03

Combine chopped kale and brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Massage with a teaspoon of olive oil and let sit while preparing other components.

Step 04

Mix olive oil with dijon mustard and coat bread cubes. Season with salt and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Step 05

Toss greens with several tablespoons of dressing. Top with roasted squash, parmesan cheese, and crushed croutons.

Notes

  1. Extra dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Stir well before using.
  2. This winter version of caesar salad combines hearty kale and brussels sprouts with warm roasted squash.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or blender
  • 2 baking sheets
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Fish (anchovy paste)
  • Wheat (sourdough bread)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~