Honey Ginger Kale Salad

I've been wanting to try a cold kale salad for a while—and let me tell you, I can't believe I waited this long! This salad is the perfect combination of freshness, sweetness and a touch of nuttiness. I'm so glad my eyes have finally been opened to the wonderful world of this leafy green. (My brother would be proud, since he thinks it makes you big and strong like him.) 


You'll need:
1/2 large bag pre cleaned and cut kale
1/2 chopped walnuts
1/4c honey ginger balsamic vinegar (from a local olive oil shop)
pepper


Rinse the kale and chop up a little more, removing any stems that may have made it into the mix.  If you bought the walnuts already chopped, chop again to about half that size; smaller pieces means a little walnut in each bite (but not the calories and fat of a lot of walnut in each bite).


Simply toss the kale, walnuts and vinegar together, sprinkle some fresh ground pepper on top and let sit at room temp for about 30 minutes. Seriously. So. Good. I was in the mood for a little sweetness (without the carbs, of course) so I just had a big ol' bowl of the kale salad with a side of 3/4c cottage cheese and 1T. sugar free jam. 


Note: This doesn't last so well (just like any salad once you put the dressing on, it can die pretty quick). Since kale is so hearty, it can last overnight—as in, for dinner, then again for breakfast— but I wouldn't count on it for lunch.