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Bird Pizzeria Caesar Salad Recipe

This Bird Pizzeria Caesar Salad copycat is loaded with massaged kale, crispy breadcrumbs, and a thick blanket of parmesan. Bold, crunchy, and totally restaurant-worthy at home.

Side angle of viral caesar salad with parmesan and breadcrumbs on top.

BIRD PIZZERIA CAESAR SALAD

Bird Pizzeriaโ€™s Caesar Salad isnโ€™t your grandmaโ€™s Caesar. Itโ€™s edgy, itโ€™s bold, and itโ€™s seriously deliciousโ€”with crispy breadcrumb topping, a mountain of parmesan, and perfectly massaged kale drenched in a tangy, garlicky Caesar-style dressing. This copycat version brings it right to your kitchen.

Top down view of kale caesar salad in white bowl.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE VIRAL CAESAR SALAD RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this delicious easy recipe (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

  • Fresh kale โ€” usually massaged and chopped so it softens.

  • Lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire (or anchovy paste) for a classic garlicky, tangy dressing.

  • Mayo or yogurt base to add creaminess without heavy blending (seen in TikTok recreations).

  • Breadcrumb topping made by toasting Texas Toast bread or dayโ€‘old bread until golden, then crushed or pulsed into coarse crumbs.

  • A liberal dusting of freshly grated parmesan on topโ€”apply until you canโ€™t see the kale anymore. Can also use fresh mozzarella but will not be the same effect.

  • Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian herbs (if desired)

Side angle of bread on baking sheet with spices and olive oil.

HOW TO MAKE THE VIRAL CAESAR SALAD

  1. Massage the kale in a bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, zestโ€”soften it until it brightens and shrinks slightly.

  2. Prepare the dressing by whisking garlic, Dijon, mayo (or yogurt), Worcestershire/anchovy, lemon juice & zest, olive oil, and seasonings until creamy.

  3. Toast the breadcrumbs: use Texas Toast or stale sourdough, brush with olive oil and bake/toast until golden. Smash or pulse into coarse crumbs.

  4. Dress the kale: Pour the dressing over the kale and toss to coat thoroughly.

  5. Plate and top: Transfer dressed kale to a serving bowl. Layer on the breadcrumbs, then cover the top with a thick pile of freshly grated parmesanโ€”until you can barely see the greens.

  6. Finish and serve: Add a final sprinkle of cracked black pepper, optional drizzle of olive oil, and serve immediately.

Top down view of bird pizzeria caesar salad recipe with a bunch of parmesan cheese on top.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Kale needs massagingโ€”it softens the leaves and releases flavor so the dressing absorbs better.

  • Donโ€™t skip the breadcrumbsโ€”theyโ€™re the signature crunch that makes it Bird Pizzeria famous. 

  • Use a microplane for parmesanโ€”that fine texture helps create the illusion of cheesy snow over the kale.

  • Adjust the anchovy or Worcestershire to suit your tasteโ€”anchovy brings classy umami, but fish sauce or vegan Worcestershire work too.

  • Serve right awayโ€”the kale stays crisp, the breadcrumbs hold their crunch, and the parmesan stays decadent.

Top down view of viral caesar salad with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

FAQS

IS THIS THE SAME SALAD FROM BIRD PIZZERIA?

Itโ€™s a faithful recreation that mirrors the kale, breadcrumb topping, and thick parmesan layerโ€”though the official recipe is secret.

CAN I MAKE THIS VIRAL CAESAR SALAD VEGAN?

Yes! Skip the Worcestershire/anchovy, or use vegan Worcestershire and add more lemon and mustard for brightness.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN I PREP THIS BIRD PIZZERIA CAESAR SALAD?

Massaged kale can sit briefly dressed. Prep the breadcrumbs and dressing ahead of time, but assemble and top just before serving to keep textures fresh.

Other Delicious Salads You May Want To Try!

Yield: 6 servings

Bird Pizzeria Caesar Salad Recipe

Side angle of viral caesar salad with parmesan and breadcrumbs on top.

This Bird Pizzeria Caesar Salad copycat is loaded with massaged kale, crispy breadcrumbs, and a thick blanket of parmesan. Bold, crunchy, and totally restaurant-worthy at home.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs fresh kale

CAESAR DRESSING

  • Fresh lemon juice from one lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp capers
  • 4 anchovy fillets
  • 3/4 cup mayonaise
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • Salt + black pepper

BREADCRUMB TOPPING

  • 3 slices stale sourdough or texas toast
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder

PARMESAN TOPPING

  • 4 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Massage the kaleย in a bowl, You want to soften it until it brightens and shrinks slightly.
  2. Prepare the dressingย by muddling the lemon juice, garlic cloves, capers and anchovies into a paste. Then add in the remaining dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Set aside in refrigerator. Alternatively can just use a store bought caesar salad dressing.
  3. Toast the breadcrumbs: use Texas Toast or stale sourdough, brush with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bake for 35-45 minutes at 300F or until golden brown. Smash or pulse into coarse crumbs.
  4. Dress the kale: Pour the dressing over the kale and toss to coat thoroughly.
  5. Plate and top: Transfer dressed kale to a serving bowl. Layer on the freshly grated parmesan, then cover the top with a thick pile of breadcrumbsโ€”until you can barely see the greens.
  6. Finish and serve: Add a final sprinkle of cracked black pepper, optional drizzle of olive oil, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 495Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 1193mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 13g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED BIRD PIZZERIA KALE CAESAR SALAD RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. Itโ€™s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. Itโ€™s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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