Copy-Cat Kale Salad

A co-worker told me about a yummy kale salad that Cheesecake Factory now offers and when I went to said restaurant with my in-laws the other week, I was eager to order one myself. It was indeed very delicious!

And whether or not the factory of cheescakes started it all, now I'm hearing about people  making their own at home... and so of course I wanted in, too! This was easy and quite tasty and I'm always pleased when I find new ways to get this super super-food in me.

This is the dressing I came up with (it's different than the buttermilk-based dressing that Cheesecake Factory offers). I asked for balsamic dressing when I ordered mine and liked it that way. :) You could probably use less avocado and therefore need less water for thinning.

Dressing:

1/2 avocado (try 1/4 first)
1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
Touch of maple syrup
Water for thinning (keep adding tiny splashes until the consistency is thin enough for you).

Ingredients:
Makes 2 large servings or 4 small servings

1/2 bunch of organic kale, washed, ripped up, and towel dried
1/2 avocado, cubed
1/2 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1-2 carrots, sliced
Raw almonds, sliced
Handful of dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Remove kale from spines and place in colander or on paper towels to dry
2. After you've blended together your dressing, place kale in a bowl with half of the dressing
3. Use hands to thoroughly massage dressing into kale and let sit while you prepare toppings
4. Plate your kale, add toppings and additional remaining dressing if desired.
5. Enjoy!