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Sweetgreen Kale Caesar Salad Copycat

A white bowl with a sweetgreen kale caesar salad copycat. The bowl has kale, lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, parmesan, parmesan crisps, dressing and lime wedge. A red napkin sits nearby as well as small amounts of the ingredients in the bowl.

A spin on a classic, this Kale Caesar Salad features hearty kale, crisp romaine, roasted chicken, and crunchy Parmesan crisps.

I’m not ashamed to admit it—I’m a huge fan of a good takeaway salad. Back when I worked outside the home, Sweetgreen’s Kale Caesar Salad was my go-to lunch. But you know what I didn’t love? The hefty price tag!

While convenience is fantastic, spending $15(!!) on a salad that I can easily make at home just doesn’t sit right with me. That’s why I’m excited to share my Sweetgreen Kale Caesar Salad Copycat recipe with you!

If you’re already a fan of Sweetgreen’s Kale Caesar, you’re in for a treat. My version captures all the delicious flavors and ingredients of the original, but at (as of this writing) half the cost. And if you’ve never tried Sweetgreen before, don’t worry! If you love Caesar salads, this recipe is sure to impress.

Wait, is Kale good in a Caesar Salad?

Absolutely! While kale might not be traditional to a caesar salad, it’s a delicious addition. If you’re new to kale Caesar salads, this recipe is a great introduction. Even if the idea of kale in a Caesar salad feels intimidating, fear not. The kale is well-balanced by crisp romaine lettuce and complemented by the classic Caesar dressing, a splash of lime juice, and two kinds of Parmesan cheese.

I love this Sweetgreen Kale Caesar Copycat because it’s the epitome of a “salad as a meal”—hearty, satisfying, and full of incredible flavors and textures. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments if you think it’s as good as the original!

The ingredients for a kale caesar salad sit on a table. There is kale, lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, parmesan and dressing.

Recipe Ingredients 

My Kale Caesar Salad includes all the same ingredients you would find in the Sweetgreen version including:

  • Curly Kale: A budget-friendly and nutrient-dense green, curly kale adds a great hearty texture to the salad.

  • Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing romaine lettuce is combined with the hearty kale, creating a balanced and satisfying mix.

  • Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Although not traditional in a Caesar salad, these small tomatoes introduce a burst of color and a touch of sweetness.

  • Roast Chicken: Roasting your own bone-in, skin-on chicken breast might seem like an extra step, but it adds rich, flavorful depth to the salad that pre-cooked chicken can’t match.

  • Parmesan Crisps: Thick, crunchy Parmesan crisps replace the traditional caesar salad croutons, offering a delightful texture contrast and cheesy flavor. I recommend using my Baked Parmesan Cheese Crisps.

  • Parmesan Shards: Generously sliced Parmesan shards provide a salty, savory kick that complements the fresh vegetables.

  • Lime: For a refreshing twist, this recipe includes a squeeze of lime, just like Sweetgreen’s approach. It adds a zesty brightness that enhances the overall flavor.

  • Caesar Dressing: No Caesar salad is complete without its signature dressing. I recommend my Shortcut Caesar Dressing, which combines anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice for a classic and tangy flavor.
Hands cutting kale on a wooden cutting board.

How To Make Parmesan Shards

Making parmesan shards is so easy, you just need a block of parmesan and a good vegetable peeler. Here’s the step-by-step on how to do it:

  1. Run your vegetable peeler along the short edge of the block of parmesan and create a long ribbon of cheese.
  2. Use your hands to break the longer ribbon in to smaller 1-2 inch pieces.
  3. Repeat step 1 and 2 until you have the desired amount of parmesan shards.

Want a visual on how to make this recipe? CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO!

Ingredient Substitution FAQs

Can I use another kind of kale?

Yes, this recipe uses curly kale since that’s what is used in the SweetGreen version, but this recipe would also be great with dinosaur (lacinato) kale if that’s available to you.

Can I use store-bought parmesan crisps?

Yes, there are many great premade parmesan crisps available at the grocery store, such as Whisp Parmesan Cheese Crisps. But if you have 15 minutes, you can make my Baked Parmesan Cheese Crisps, which bring this recipe to the next level. 

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, you can definitely use a pre-made Caesar dressing to make this salad. But if you have the time I would encourage you to try making my Shortcut Caesar Dressing.

Can I use boneless-skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, if that is easiest for you, boneless, skinless chicken breast is a fine substitution. I just prefer roasted chicken breast as it has incredible flavor.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, absolutely, you can leave out the roasted chicken and this salad would still be delicious. However, if you want to substitute the chicken with a vegetarian protein, I would suggest adding in some cooked chickpeas.

A close up of a sweetgreen kale caesar salad copycat. There is white bowl with kale, lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, parmesan, parmesan crisps, dressing and lime wedge. Some tomatoes and parmesan crisps are nearby.

Related Recipes

Looking for some other great salad recipes? Definitely give my Maroulosalata (Greek Lettuce Salad with Feta Cheese) or Air Fried Halloumi with Chopped Mediterranean Salad a try!

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A white bowl with a sweetgreen kale caesar salad copycat. The bowl has kale, lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, parmesan, parmesan crisps, dressing and lime wedge. A red napkin sits nearby as well as small amounts of the ingredients in the bowl.

Sweetgreen Kale Caesar Salad Copycat

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A spin on a classic, this Kale Caesar Salad features hearty kale, crisp romaine, roasted chicken, and crunchy Parmesan crisps.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 salads 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups Curly Kale, stems removed and cut into bite sized shreds
  • 1 Romaine Hearts, chopped (approximately 4 cups)
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1.5 cups chicken breast, preferable freshly roasted and chopped into bite sized pieces (see notes for preparation suggestions)
  • ¼ cup cups parmesan shards (see preparation tips above)
  • 3 Parmesan crisps, broken into pieces
  • 2/3 cups Caesar dressing
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions

  • Arrange ingredients: Divide kale and romaine among two medium sized bowls and mix the greens together slightly. Arrange the tomatoes, chicken breast, parmesan shards and parmesan crisps into distinct piles on top of the greens.
  • Serve: Divide the dressing into two small containers and serve alongside the salad along with a lime wedge (allowing diners to add dressing and lime juice to their preferred taste and toss the salad together themselves) OR add dressing and lime to the salads directly and toss all the ingredients together just before serving.

Notes

  • Recipe time does not include preparing roast chicken, homemade parmesan crisps or homemade caesar dressing.
  • For the best flavor and juiciness, roast bone-in chicken breasts (also known as “split breasts”). Preheat the oven to 350°F and roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before removing the meat from the bone and chopping it for the salad.
  • Author: Christine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Handmade
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Salad
  • Calories: 744
  • Sugar: 6.1 g
  • Sodium: 1341.3 mg
  • Fat: 55.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11.9 g
  • Protein: 49.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 167.3 mg

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