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With Fall approaching we all tend to eat heavier meals.  We are drawn towards comfort foods like stews, chilis, pastas, desserts….. but there is nothing worse than looking in the mirror in March and realizing that you have put on 10 pounds of stews, chili, pastas and desserts.  So I try to add in a few healthy dinners along the winter way.  Fortunately my boys like salads and I am so grateful-take your wins where you can get them!

One of the reasons I like cooking vs baking is that there are no rules.  I don’t have to measure exactly and I don’t have to worry about the science of food when I am cooking. If I see a recipe and I don’t like something about it then I will just omit an ingredient or add an ingredient and no one is the wiser.  Salad “recipes” are a great dish to make it your own.  The only “recipe” when it comes to the salad is the dressing and even then you can tweak it to your liking.  My family prefers more of a tangy salad dressing so I always add less oil than the recipe calls for, but if you prefer more of a creamy dressing then add more oil.  Just play with it and see what you like. 
I always make my salad dressing in a mason jar (I have linked the ones I like below) so that I can put all the ingredients in the jar, close the lid and shake vs whisking until it emulsifies-I’m lazy! Plus it is a great way to store the left over dressing.  Homemade salad dressings will last in the fridge for about 1 week.
Send me your thoughts and questions!
Enjoy!

 

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Winter Kale Salad

Makes about 4 Servings

1 bunch kale, stems removed and torn into bite sized pieces (or 1 pre-washed bag)
1 apple, cut into thin slices
1/2 cup white cheddar cheese cubes
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or pepitas
1 1/2 cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
3 Tablespoons sherry vinegar
2 Tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper

In a small mason jar or bowl, combine mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.  Shake or whisk well until emulsified.

In a large salad bowl combine kale, chicken, apples, cheese and pumpkin seeds.  Lightly dress and toss well.

Notes:
* If you like your dressings a little on the sweet side then add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing.  

Needed Items