Basil Balsamic Chickpea and Kale Salad

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 bunches kale, stems removed and chopped
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 15oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chopped basil
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup roasted and salted almonds, roughly chopped
• 1 avocado, cubed (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.

2. 2

   Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Massage salt into leaves until kale softens and turns a bit darker in color.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, basil, cranberries, red onion, almonds, and avocado. Toss to combine. Dump mixture into bowl with chopped kale.

4. 4

   Add dressing and stir to combine. Serve with additional almonds on top.