Not all kale is fit for a salad. But if you can get your hands on some fresh purple kale, it's just tender enough to make a delicious one. I like topping my simple salad with diced cucumbers and thick slices of tomatoes. The dressing would work for an ordinary caesar salad as well. It's thick and untraditional becuase you won't find any anchovies in this dressing. I wanted to use only the basic ingredients I had on hand in my refrigerator. The capers provide that salty bite instead, and you won't even know that this recipe is different. 

Simple Caesar Dressing Recipe

1/4 cup mayonaise
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp capers
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 tsp parsley
1 tbsp olive oil    
1 tsp white wine vinegar
salt and pepper 

Combine all ingredients and mix well together. This is plenty of dressing for a full bunch of kale. It gets thicker upon standing, so be sure to evenly coat the leaves and toss before serving. It should stay for 7-10 days in your refrigerator. 

–Marly Schuman