Maple, Apple & Cranberry Kale Salad

Fresh kale makes a delicious salad to add to your meal!  In this recipe, I combine a sweet dressing with crunchy ingredients to achieve the right blend of sweet and bitter.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Red delicious apple, unpeeled and chopped
• ¼ cup slivered unsalted almonds, toasted
• ¼ cup craisins
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Trim tough kale stems ends and tough centre stems.  Discard any discoloured leaves.  Chop into bite size pieces.
2. Wash kale leaves thoroughly and dry.
3. Combine maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and olive oil and whisk thoroughly to combine ingredients.
4. Chop apple and put into vinegar dressing to prevent oxidation.
5. Fill a large salad bowl with kale leaves, add craisins.
6. Toast unsalted almonds in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.  Toss toasted almonds on top of kale greens.
7. Pour dressing and apples on top of kale and toss to evenly coat with dressing.