Kale Caesar with Toasted Pecans & House Dressing

We’ve always believed that simple food can be the most satisfying—when the ingredients are right.

This is one of those recipes.

It’s familiar, grounding, and easy to come back to… but with one key upgrade: pecans.

They add warmth, texture, and depth that completely changes the salad. A little crunch, a little richness—and suddenly it’s not just a side, it’s something you actually crave.

This is where the recipe becomes yours.

• Adds natural crunch and texture
• Brings a rich, buttery flavor
• Provides healthy fats for lasting fullness
• Elevates a simple salad into something more satisfying

When you start with high-quality pecans, you don’t need much else.

Croutons & Toasted Pecans

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups cubed day-old sourdough bread
• 1 cup Blue Mountain pecans
• Fine pink Himalayan salt

Instructions:
On a baking sheet, toss the bread with olive oil. Add pecans to the tray. Bake at 425°F for 10–15 minutes, until the croutons are golden and the pecans are lightly toasted.

Season with salt and let cool.

Creamy Caesar-Style Dressing

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons tahini or avocado oil mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
• 2 teaspoons low-sodium tamari or fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast or Parmesan (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• Fine pink Himalayan salt and black pepper

Instructions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Salad

• 1 large bunch Tuscan kale, stems removed and thinly sliced
• 1 medium head romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
• 2 avocados, diced

Bring It All Together

1. In a large bowl, combine kale and romaine
2. Add croutons and toasted pecans
3. Pour over dressing and toss well
4. Top with avocado and optional Parmesan

Serve immediately.

What Makes This Version Different

This isn’t about changing the recipe—it’s about elevating it.

The pecans:

• Replace the need for extra toppings
• Add a deeper, more satisfying bite
• Turn a simple salad into something that feels complete

It’s still easy. Still familiar.
Just… better.

Make It Your Own

• Add grilled chicken for extra protein
• Swap pecans for candied pecans for a sweeter contrast
• Add shaved Parmesan for a more classic finish

A Better Way to Build Flavor

When you start with real ingredients, you don’t have to overcomplicate things.

Good greens. A solid dressing. And pecans that actually taste like something.

That’s enough.