To Make the Dressing

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Set aside or store in an air-tight container until ready to serve. Will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.

*This recipe requires an “adjust as you go” approach. The dressing ingredient list is my base recipe and contains all the elements you need for Ceasar dressing. I find that people are highly particular about what a “good” Ceasar salad should taste like. Some like it peppery, some like it extra salty, fishy or lemony. Adjust the flavor to suit your fancy but remember, add a little extra ingredient at a time. You can always add more but you can’t take it out.

To Make the Croutons

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
3. Cut or tear the bread into roughly uniform, bite-sized pieces and add to a medium-large bowl.
4. Add the salt and pepper to the bread.
5. Drizzle with the oil.
6. Toss to coat the bread pieces and arrange in one layer on the baking sheet. Use two baking sheets if needed.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking process. Bake until the croutons are golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and cool to room temp. Set aside until serving or store in a paper bag. The croutons are best within the first few hours after baking but can be stored overnight in a paper bag to keep as much crispness as possible and should be used within a day.

Assembly & Serving

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce, kale, and croutons. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and pepper and toss to combine.
2. Drizzle a little dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Taste the salad and repeat the drizzle, toss, and taste steps until you reach your desired coverage. I like to keep the dressing on the light side as too much dressing can taste and feel heavy. 
3. Shave pieces of Parmesan or Pecorino over the finished salad.
4. Serve family-style in a large decorative salad bowl or in individual serving bowls.
5. On the side, serve additional shavings of cheese. If you have leftover anchovies serve them chopped and any leftover dressing on the side, as well.