Winter Caesar Salad with Dijon Breadcrumbs (Print version)

A hearty winter Caesar salad with kale, Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, creamy dressing, and crunchy Dijon breadcrumbs.

# Ingredients:

For the Greek yogurt Caesar

01 - 2 small garlic cloves, minced
02 - 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
05 - 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
06 - 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
07 - 1/2 lemon, juiced
08 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

For the salad

11 - 4 cups (560 g) peeled cubed butternut squash
12 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
13 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, optional
16 - Kosher salt and black pepper
17 - 6 cups (150 g) chopped Tuscan kale, ribs removed
18 - 2 cups (180 g) thinly shredded Brussels sprouts
19 - 2 cups (120 g) sourdough bread cubes
20 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
21 - 1/3 cup (35 g) shaved parmesan cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Add garlic, Greek yogurt, parmesan, Dijon, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then stream in the olive oil while blending until creamy.
02 - Heat the oven to 425°F. Toss the butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chipotle if using, salt, and pepper. Spread on a sheet pan and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until tender and browned.
03 - Add the chopped kale to a large bowl with 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage for about 1 minute until glossy and slightly softened, then toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts.
04 - Whisk the remaining olive oil with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Toss with the sourdough cubes and a pinch of salt. Bake on a second sheet pan for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.
05 - Let the toasted sourdough cool for 5 minutes. Crush it lightly with your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup so you have rough breadcrumbs and a few larger crunchy pieces.
06 - Toss the kale and Brussels sprouts with a few tablespoons of dressing until well coated. Add roasted squash, shaved parmesan, and Dijon breadcrumbs. Serve with extra dressing on the side.

# Good to know:

01 - The dressing can be made 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
02 - For the best texture, add the Dijon breadcrumbs right before serving.
03 - Use warm, not hot, roasted squash when assembling the salad.