My sister remarks that it gets complicated to know what kind of lettuces go with what kind of dressings and add-ins. How does one wing a salad? She has requested a diagram to show how to make combinations, so until then; this is a copycat salad of one she loves from a nearby takeout place. It copies its base of kale (both lacinato and purple varieties) and a champagne vinaigrette - kale drinks up dressing, so be generous. Theirs has toasted almonds, grapes, parmesan…maybe chickpeas? You can swap the fruits and nuts, have chicken in place of, or along with, chickpeas or replace the cheese with olives or avocado for a fat.

You’ll need to make the call on add-in amounts, considering bundles of kale range in volume. Double the fruit here or add more cheese, chicken and chickpeas to fill it out.

Here are some delicious salad examples: strawberries + toasted cashews + hard goat cheese apples + almonds + lentils + manchego cheese mangos + black beans + chicken + avocado + white cheddar bell peppers + olives + chickpeas + feta cheese soaked golden raisins + shaved fennel + pine nuts + parm