Kale Caesar with Salt-Free Dressing
Massaged kale tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar-style dressing with zero added salt.
Sodium note
Classic Caesar dressing relies on anchovies, capers, and Parmesan for its punch. This version uses lemon, garlic, and nutritional yeast for the same savory depth without the sodium.
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed and torn into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for massaging kale
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (no-salt-added)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup no-salt bread cubes, toasted for croutons
Method
- 1
Place torn kale in a large bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and massage with your hands for 2 minutes until softened.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, mustard, and smoked paprika.
- 3
Pour the dressing over the kale and toss until evenly coated.
- 4
Top with toasted no-salt croutons and a generous amount of black pepper before serving.
Nutrition (estimated, per serving)
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbs
- 16g
- Fat
- 10g
- Sodium
- 60mg
Nutrition and sodium information is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredients, brands, serving sizes and preparation methods. Always check the labels on the products you buy.
Substitutions
- Use romaine lettuce instead of kale if you prefer a lighter crunch.
- Swap Greek yogurt for plain cashew cream for a dairy-free dressing.
- No nutritional yeast? Use finely grated low-sodium Parmesan alternative.
Tips
- Massaging the kale is essential—it breaks down the tough fibers so the salad isn't bitter or chewy.
- Make your own croutons by toasting cubed no-salt-added bread with a little olive oil and garlic powder.
- Nutritional yeast gives the dressing a cheesy, umami flavor that stands in for Parmesan.
New to cooking without salt? Start with our beginner guide and 25 ways to add flavor without salt.
