This Winter Caesar Salad recipe is a hearty and delicious take on the traditional Caesar salad, perfect for chilly days. Combining nutrient-packed kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, and crunchy sourdough croutons, this dish is topped with a creamy homemade dressing that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this salad is sure to bring warmth and nourishment to your table this winter.

Why You’ll Love This Winter Caesar Salad

When the weather turns cold, you might find yourself craving something fresh yet hearty. This Winter Caesar Salad is the perfect answer. The robust flavors of kale and Brussels sprouts combined with the warmth of roasted butternut squash create a salad that’s both satisfying and healthy.

This recipe takes the classic Caesar salad to a whole new level by incorporating seasonal winter ingredients. The creamy homemade dressing, infused with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of anchovy paste, ties everything together beautifully. It’s comforting, packed with nutrients, and a fantastic way to brighten up your winter meals.

What Is a Winter Caesar Salad?

Winter Caesar Salad is a seasonal variation of the classic Caesar salad, featuring hearty greens like Tuscan kale and Brussels sprouts along with roasted winter vegetables like butternut squash. The salad is topped with sourdough croutons, shaved parmesan cheese, and a zesty, creamy Caesar dressing.

Unlike traditional Caesar salads, which rely on romaine lettuce, this version is heartier and perfect for the colder months. It’s a vibrant, nutrient-dense dish that balances warm and fresh flavors in every bite.

Ingredients for Winter Caesar Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious seasonal salad:

For the Dressing:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad Base:

• 6 cups torn, chopped Tuscan kale
• 2 to 3 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 cups sourdough bread cubes
• ⅓ cup shaved parmesan cheese

For Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	260
Protein	7g
Fat	17g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	400mg

Step-by-Step Instructions for Winter Caesar Salad

1. Make the Creamy Caesar Dressing

1. Add the minced garlic, Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
2. Blend the ingredients until smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil to create a creamy, emulsified dressing. Set it aside.

2. Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 18-22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Prep the Greens

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale and shredded Brussels sprouts.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and massage the greens for 1-2 minutes. This softens the kale and reduces its bitterness.

4. Make the Sourdough Croutons

1. Toss the sourdough bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
2. Season with a pinch of salt and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crunchy.

5. Assemble the Salad

1. Toss the massaged kale and Brussels sprouts with several tablespoons of the Caesar dressing. Adjust to taste.
2. Layer the roasted butternut squash on top of the greens.
3. Sprinkle with shaved parmesan cheese and crushed sourdough croutons.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Winter Caesar Salad immediately while the roasted squash and croutons are warm. Pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian meal.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Balanced Flavors

The bold, earthy flavors of kale and Brussels sprouts are perfectly balanced by the creamy, tangy Caesar dressing and the sweetness of roasted butternut squash.

2. Seasonal Ingredients

Using winter vegetables like kale and squash makes this salad both seasonal and nutrient-dense.

3. Homemade Dressing

The homemade Caesar dressing is rich and flavorful, with the perfect blend of garlic, parmesan, and anchovy paste.

4. Textural Contrast

The crispy croutons, creamy dressing, and tender greens create a variety of textures that make every bite exciting.

Tips for Making the Best Winter Caesar Salad

1. Massage the Kale: Massaging kale softens its tough texture and reduces its bitterness.
2. Use Fresh Parmesan: Shaving fresh parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor.
3. Customize the Vegetables: Swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes or roasted carrots if desired.
4. Don’t Skip the Croutons: Sourdough croutons add an irresistible crunch to the salad.
5. Adjust the Dressing: Start with a few tablespoons of dressing and add more to taste.

Serving Suggestions for Winter Caesar Salad

• As a Main Dish: Top the salad with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for added protein.
• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside roasted meats or pasta for a complete winter meal.
• For Meal Prep: Store the components separately and assemble the salad fresh before serving.

FAQs About Winter Caesar Salad Recipe

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The dressing can be made up to 3-4 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir well before using.

2. Can I use store-bought croutons?

Absolutely! While homemade croutons are delicious, store-bought ones work perfectly if you’re short on time.

3. What can I substitute for anchovy paste?

If you don’t have anchovy paste, you can use Worcestershire sauce or omit it for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can! Use a plant-based yogurt, vegan parmesan, and skip the anchovy paste. You can also replace the sourdough croutons with roasted chickpeas for added crunch.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store the salad components (greens, dressing, squash, and croutons) separately in airtight containers. Assemble fresh portions as needed to keep the salad crisp.

6. Can I add extra toppings?

Of course! Try adding dried cranberries, roasted nuts, or even crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.

Conclusion: Make This Winter Caesar Salad Today!

This Winter Caesar Salad recipe is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the best of seasonal ingredients. From the hearty kale and shredded Brussels sprouts to the sweet roasted butternut squash and creamy Caesar dressing, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or a unique addition to your holiday table, this salad is sure to impress.

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