• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Crumb Top Baking

Healthier Desserts and Savory Recipes

  • Home
  • About & Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Photography Portfolio
You are here: Home / All Recipes / Kale Caesar Salad with Shrimp and Garlic Lime Tahini Dressing

Kale Caesar Salad with Shrimp and Garlic Lime Tahini Dressing

August 24, 2018 Updated: August 15, 2019 By Leanne 22 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Kale Caesar Salad with Shrimp and Garlic Lime Tahini Dressing! This one is loaded with kale, shrimp, coconut bacon, everything bagel croutons and a homemade garlic lime tahini dressing. It makes a great side salad or meal on its own, and it’s dairy-free with a grain-free option!

Overhead view of Kale Caesar Salad in a white bowl.

So various versions of this salad have been on repeat in my house for the past few weeks, and I’m not even a huge fan of caesar salad! It’s always my husband’s go-to salad, but I usually go for a salad that’s full of colourful veggies and topped with a light and fruity vinaigrette.

Then, I came across a recipe for coconut bacon in Clean Eating Magazine, and I began thinking of all the ways I could add coconut bacon to my life! My first stop was this Kale Caesar Salad, and I’ve been loving it ever since!

But before we get too deep into all the ingredients that go into this salad, we should probably discuss the garlic lime tahini dressing, because let’s face it, the dressing makes the salad.

Up-close, overhead view of ingredients for the garlic lime tahini dressing for the Kale Caesar Salad.

Garlic Lime Tahini Dressing and Good Gut Fuel

This recipe is actually from my friend Helene, who blogs over at All the Verdure. Helene recently launched an e-book called Good Gut Fuel, and she was kind enough to provide me with a complimentary copy so I could give a few of her recipes a try.

Good Gut Fuel is full of tips on good digestion and digestion friendly ingredients, and it includes 10 recipes based on those ingredients. This dressing was the first recipe I tried, and I immediately thought it would go perfectly with this Kale Caesar Salad!

Side view of garlic lime tahini dressing for the Kale Caesar Salad.

This dressing is thick and creamy, and only requires 6 ingredients – tahini, garlic, lime, salt, pepper and water. The garlic and lime flavours shine through, and balance out the tahini. And you don’t need to break out your blender for this dressing. Just whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl and done!

Overhead view of all the ingredients for a Kale Caesar Salad arranged in individual bowls.

Now that we have the dressing taken care of, let’s tackle the rest of this salad!

Overhead view of Kale Caesar Salad in a white bowl.

Some tips for making Kale Caesar Salad

  • Sometimes I like to go grain-free, so I’ve also made this salad with roasted chick peas instead of croutons. I use the spicy chick pea recipe from these zoodle bowls.
  • If you’d like to make a vegan version of this salad, just leave out the shrimp and ensure your tamari for the coconut bacon is vegan.
  • If you opt for shrimp in your salad, I like to cook mine with a bit of avocado oil and Trader Joe’s chili lime seasoning. But you can season it anyway you like. Grilled also works well in this recipe.
  • This salad is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for potlucks. Just prepare and store all of your ingredients separately, and assemble just before you’re ready to eat it. If you assemble it too far in advance, the croutons will get soggy.

Up-close, overhead view of Kale Caesar Salad in a white bowl next to wooden serving spoons.

This recipe might seem a bit involved, but I promise it’s not that difficult to make. If you give it a try, I would love to read about it in the comments below! Or you can always snap a pic and share it on Instagram by tagging @crumbtopbaking.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Overhead view of Kale Caesar Salad in a white bowl.

Kale Caesar Salad with Shrimp and Garlic Lime Tahini Dressing

★★★★★ 5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Dinner; Lunch
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Kale Caesar Salad with Shrimp and Garlic Lime Tahini Dressing is loaded with kale, shrimp, coconut bacon, everything bagel croutons and a homemade garlic lime tahini dressing. It makes a great side salad or meal on its own, and it’s dairy-free with a grain-free option included.


Ingredients

For the everything bagel croutons:

  • 3 thick slices multi-grain bread, stale and cubed
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp everything bagel spice

For the coconut bacon:

  • 3/4 cup coconut slices
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp reduced-sodium tamari
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp avocado oil
  • Pinch of ground black pepper

For the garlic lime tahini dressing:

  • 1/3 cup tahini
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lime, juiced and zested
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup warm water

For the salad:

  • 4–5 cups kale, packed, stems removed and torn
  • 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups everything bagel croutons
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp
  • 3/4 cup coconut bacon
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup garlic lime tahini dressing

Instructions

  1. To make the croutons: Pre-heat the oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, add the cubed bread and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle on the nutritional yeast and everything bagel spice. Mix with your hands until the cubes are well coated. Don’t over-mix as the bread may start to crumble. Spread the croutons out in a single layer on baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping the croutons after 10 minutes. They should be browned and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheet. You should get about 2 cups of croutons.
  2. To make the coconut bacon: Pre-heat oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, add the coconut, maple syrup, tamari, paprika, oil and pepper. Stir until coconut is well coated. Spread out in a single layer on baking sheet, and bake for 7-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it may start to burn quickly. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on baking sheet. It will get crunchy as it cools.
  3. To make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, garlic, lime juice and zest, salt and pepper. Drizzle in the water and whisk until smooth. The recipe makes about 1/2 cup of dressing.
  4. To assemble the salad: Add the kale to a large bowl and drizzle on the oil. Massage for a few minutes until the volume of kale starts to reduce in size. Add the croutons, shrimp, coconut bacon and nutritional yeast. Pour on the dressing and toss the ingredients until well coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. To make this recipe grain-free, substitute roasted chick peas for croutons.
  2. To make it vegan, just leave out the shrimp and ensure the tamari you use in the coconut bacon is vegan.
  3. If making this salad in advance, prepare and store all of your ingredients separately, and assemble when ready to eat.
  4. The recipe for the garlic lime tahini dressing is adapted from All the Verdue.
  5. The recipe for the coconut bacon is adapted from Clean Eating Magazine’s recipe for Sweet and Salty Coconut Bacon.

Keywords: salad, kale, shrimp, dinner

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @crumbtopbaking on Instagram and hashtag it #crumbtopbaking

Pinterest image for Kale Caesar Salad.

 

  • Share

Filed Under: All Recipes, Appetizers, Dairy-Free, Light Lunch Recipes, Salads, Seafood

Previous Post: « Chocolate Peanut Butter Mocha Nice Cream Pops
Next Post: Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim Lange says

    October 14, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    I’m not a fan of Kale of but I am huge fan of salads, but I think I could learn to love this Leanne! I love all the components to put it all together, so I’m going to give it try! Thanks and pinning!! xo

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      October 14, 2018 at 9:48 pm

      Thanks Kim! The secret to kale in salads is massaging it and adding lots of flavour. So I find it works in this salad with all the other ingredients. Thanks for pinning, and hope you let me know if you give it a try!

      Reply
  2. Terry says

    August 29, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    It’s amazing how awesome you make healthy food look!! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:33 pm

      Thanks so much Terry! That’s so nice of you to say!

      Reply
  3. Tanya says

    August 28, 2018 at 9:04 pm

    Such fantastic flavours here! This is definitely a great way to jazz up your regular Caesar salad and give it some new life! I could eat this every day.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:33 pm

      Thanks Tanya! It’s a nice change for sure! And I think while I was recipe testing, I was eating this every day!

      Reply
  4. Neha says

    August 27, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    I am sure this kale caesar salad was a big hit in your house. And that dressing is the bomb! I love all the flavors in it, can’t wait to try it out!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:19 pm

      Thanks Neha! This salad was a big hit with taste testers this summer! And All the Verdure’s salad dressing is the perfect addition! Hope you get the chance to make it!

      Reply
  5. marcie says

    August 27, 2018 at 3:18 pm

    I normally don’t gravitate toward Caesar salad either as I prefer my salads to be packed with veggies, etc. BUT kale Caesar is a whole different thing. I do order kale Caesars when I see them on a menu, but I’ve never made it at home! That dressing sounds like a great healthier alternative and I can’t wait to try this!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:17 pm

      Thanks Marcie! Kale definitely takes caesar salad up a notch! Given all your amazing salad recipes, I’m sure your homemade kale caesar will be delicious!

      Reply
  6. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    August 27, 2018 at 9:30 am

    Wow! I’m loving each and every component to this salad Leanne! The kale, the dressing, those everything croutons and that coconut bacon. Can’t wait to give this one a try!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:14 pm

      Thanks so much Mary Ann! There’s a few different components to this salad, but they all work so well together! The coconut bacon might be my favourite! Happy weekend!

      Reply
  7. [email protected] says

    August 25, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    This looks stunning! I love Tahini dressings, it gives everything such a deep savory taste.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:10 pm

      Thanks Patrick! I totally agree. Tahini dressings have such a great taste!

      Reply
  8. Kim | Give it Some Thyme says

    August 25, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    This is such an awesome salad Leanne! Love the coconut bacon and homemade croutons. The yummy shrimp are always a great addition in my book! Happy Weekend!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:09 pm

      Thanks Kim! The coconut bacon is a game changer! I want to add it to all my salads! Hope you’re having a great weekend!

      Reply
  9. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    August 25, 2018 at 11:19 am

    Such a delicious caesar salad, Leanne! I do love caesar salad, but hardly ever order it out because it’s too basic. But this? Definitely not! Love the kale and shrimp combo and that dressing sounds deadly! Bet crispy chickpeas would be lovely too. They are a favourite snack around here 🙂 Happy weekend to ya!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:06 pm

      Thanks Dawn! I’m on a shrimp kick this summer, so adding them to this salad seemed like a good idea! The crispy chickpeas work well too. Half the time I make this salad, I use crispy chick peas and go completely grain-free. Happy weekend!

      Reply
  10. Christina says

    August 24, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    Thank you for sharing Helene’s recipe, it looks and sounds so fresh and satisfying! The perfect accompaniment to a sizzling summer day!! I hope you’ve been having an amazing summer, Leanne!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:07 pm

      Thanks Christina! Helene’s recipe is great! Hope you’re having a great summer too!

      Reply
  11. Lisa | Tiny Kitchen Capers says

    August 24, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    This salad looks scrumptious Leanne! Especially that dressing! Heavenly!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 2, 2018 at 11:08 pm

      Thanks Lisa! Helene’s dressing recipe pairs nicely with the kale caesar ingredients!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that help people eat a little healthier and find balance in the recipes they prepare for themselves and their families. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

Follow Crumb Top Baking

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Find a recipe

Trending recipes

  • Close up view of air fryer gnocchi in a serving dish next to a bowl of marinara sauce. Air Fryer Gnocchi
  • Close up view of a slice of almond flour chocolate cake on a white marble cake plate. Almond Flour Chocolate Cake
  • Healthy date squares arranged on a sheet of wax paper. Healthy Date Squares (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
  • Slice of lemon almond flour cake on a white plate and topped with whipped cream and strawberries. Lemon Almond Flour Cake

                 Easter Recipes

Lemon Almond Flour Cake

Side view of a slice of lemon almond flour cake on a plate with whipped cream and strawberries on top.

Spring Salad with Asparagus & Peas

Single Layer Carrot Cake

Copyright © 2023 crumbtopbaking.com - Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

Crumb Top BakingLogo Header Menu
  • Home
  • About & Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Photography Portfolio