Kale salad with fennel and hazelnuts

I like keeping things flexible. 

It's impossible to actually schedule anything with me because I'm truly a homebody at heart, preferring to cook something than go out to Sunday brunch. But that being said, I love both things so keeping things flexible to what mood strikes is key.

I also like to keep my food flexible, building upon base recipes that fit whatever flavor I'm looking for. This kale salad is one of them.

I was reluctant to the whole kale fad, but now that it's died down a bit I'm ready to indulge. This salad has a simple, lip-puckering vinaigrette that stands up to hearty kale, but what you put on top can change with the seasons. 

I like the combination of fennel, hazelnuts, and blue cheese, but I would even add some sliced stone fruit (peaches! cherries!) or some super ripe tomatoes to take advantage of what's available right now. Dig in.

Kale salad with fennel and hazelnuts

• 1 large bunch of kale, stems removed + roughly chopped

• 1/2 lemon, juice

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• 1/2 bulb fennel, shaved

• handful of hazelnuts, roughly chopped

• sprinkle of blue cheese

1. In a small bowl combine the lemon juice, honey + apple cider vinegar. While stirring, drizzle in the olive oil. Taste, and add some salt + pepper if desired.

2. Toss the kale in the vinaigrette. Give the kale a quick massage and let it sit for ~20 minutes to soften.

3. Once ready to devour, top the salad with fennel, hazelnuts + blue cheese. Toss + dive in.