Crunchy Kale Lentil Salad

Summer salads are a joy to make. I like to use as many ingredients from my garden as possible. This combo features lettuce, kale, basil, and sage picked just before I put this together. Pantry finds completed my mission; hearty French lentils, crunchy nuts, and chopped scallions drizzled with quality olive oil and balsamic. The fresh herbs lighten up the heartiness of the lentils. I didn’t even mix a dressing, I really just drizzled and seasoned to taste with salt and pepper. Crumbled feta lends a fresh visual pop and a treat for you cheese lovers. This salad can easily be a meal.
Ingredients:
Two cups red or green leaf lettuce
Two cups chopped kale
1 cup French lentils prepared according to package directions
1 packed cup chopped scallions
A couple of handfuls of toasted slivered almonds and roasted soybeans
A cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt pepper
Feta, goat, or fresh mozzarella cheese

Place the kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and massage it in well. Doing this softens the coarse kale a bit. Add the rest of the ingredients. Drizzle with added oil and balsamic, adding as needed after tasting. Salt and pepper to taste.