Copycat Chick Fil A Superfood Salad

We tried this salad last night and everyone loved it.  Even the kids.  Even Ava!  It makes a pretty big bowl and I was worried that we wouldn't be able to eat it all, but we finished it in two meals.  I am not normally a kale eater, but this was so good.  They recommended "massaging" the kale and I think this really does help to soften it up - part of the lack of appeal, for me anyway, is how tough it normally is.  Jeremy thought it was a tiny bit too sweet, so I added an extra splash of vinegar and cut back a bit on the maple syrup.

Copycat Chick Fil A Superfood Salad

Prep Time:15 Min Total Time:15 Min

Serves 8

Maple-Cider Vinaigrette

·         1/3 cup cider vinegar (plus an extra splash or two)

·         1 green onion, trimmed about 1" on top and the "hairy" root end on the bottom

·         1 teaspoon Creole or mild coarse grain mustard (or use regular mustard and add a pinch of Creole seasoning)

·         1 teaspoon kosher salt

·         A few cracks of fresh black pepper

·         2/3 cup maple syrup (scant)

·         1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (I use our garlic olive oil)

SALAD

·         4 cups broccoli broken into small pieces

·         8-10 cups (about 8 ounces) kale, massaged (rub leaves to soften them up)

·         6 ounces Craisins (about 1 cup)

·         1/3 cup salted, shelled sunflower seeds

Instructions

In the jar of your blender, combine the vinegar, onion, mustard, salt, pepper, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Set aside.

In a very large bowl, combine the broccoli, kale, cherries, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle about 3/4 of the dressing onto the salad and toss to coat evenly. Add more dressing if desired. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Notes

·         If you'd like to add a little extra flavor or protein, try crumbling a little feta or mild goat cheese right before serving.

our best bites http://ourbestbites.com/