Warm Kale, Bacon & Goat Cheese Salad with White Balsamic Vinegrette

Who knew that a warm salad could be (almost) better than a regular salad?! It's true! I was so cold when coming up with a dinner idea last night that I decided to try making a warm salad. I am glad I did!

This is a wonderful, quick weeknight salad as it only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish (including cooking bacon). You can add a side of chicken, steak or any other protein you like to it or just leave it as it.

I use turkey bacon in my salads but I am sure if you use regular bacon it would take this to another level of deliciousness ;) Please don't substitute the pine nuts or the goat cheese though. These two flavors together take this simple salad to an sumptuous salad!

PRO TIP: Use coconut oil to sauté the kale as it will give the kale a bit of flavor (but doesn't taste like coconut).

Ingredients for Walnuts:

• 2 tblspn coconut oil

• 1 head of kale

• 1/4 cup pine nuts

• 6-8 slices bacon

• goat cheese - as much as desired

• salt & pepper to taste

Process:

Wash the kale and tear leaves away from the vein by hand. While kale is drying, cook the bacon over medium heat on the stove or on 400degrees in the oven for 10-12 minutes.

Place the dried kale and coconut oil in a pan. Heat on medium until kale is slightly cooked (about 3-4 minutes) stirring regularly. Remove from heat and top with pine nuts, goat cheese, bacon and vinaigrette.

Ingredients for White Balsamic Dressing:

• 1/3 cup avocado oil

• 1/4 tsp honey

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tsp dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar

• 1 tblsp shallot minced

• salt & pepper to taste

Process: Mince shallots. Mix all ingredients together. Top on any and all salads!