The Best Kale Salad

This really is tasty salad, the warm dressing helps make the kale less tough, and the flavors can’t be beat!

Best Kale Salad

1 pound fresh chopped kale (most grocery stores sell this in bags)
6-8 slices bacon, chopped
1 large or 2 small sweet (such as Vidalia) onion, chopped
½ red pepper, chopped
3-4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
1/2 cup dried cranberries (such as Craisins)
1/2 cup shelled, roasted and salted pistachios
Pomegranate seeds

Sort through the chopped kale, removing any stem pieces and place in a large bowl, sort of massaging the kale to break down it’s toughness.

Heat a saute pan over medium low heat and add the chopped bacon.  Once the bacon is cooked, do not drain the fat and add the onion and bell pepper.  Cook until the onion begins to carmelize and the pepper is soft, about 5 minutes or so.

Reduce the heat to low, add the bacon and then add the vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any tasty bits.  

Pour the warm onion and bacon dressing over the kale and toss well, to coat and partially "wilt" the kale.  Add cranberries, pistachios and pomegranate, if using.

Add salt and pepper to your taste.  The recipe typically does not need much salt because of the saltiness of the bacon and the pistachios (if using).

Serves 6-8+ as a side dish.