Recipe Posting: Kale and Green Apple Salad (and a Jalapeno Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich as a Bonus)

Pinterest recipe testing on a weekend...this time, Kale and Green Apple Salad. But because we ran 20 miles yesterday, I decided to balance out the healthy with a little unhealthy (grilled cheese AND bacon). I'll give you both recipes. Don't.Worry.

The original recipe is here, if you're interested in reading more about how it's both healthy and budget-friendly.

Kale and Green Apple Salad

• 1 bunch kale
• 1 medium granny smith apple
• 1/4 c. raisins
• 1/2 c.walnut halves
• 1/3 c. olive oil
• 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 T. minced garlic
• 1 1/2 T. dijon mustard
• 1/4 t.salt
• 10-15 cranks fresh cracked pepper

First, remove kale leaves from the stem.

Rinse kale leaves thoroughly and drain. Pat leaves completely dry.

Chop apple and add to kale.

Add raisins.

Roughly chop walnuts and add to salad.

Combine remaining ingredients until completely blended. The original recipe suggested using a blender - I prefer shaking the dressing in a glass jar.

Add dressing to salad mix.

Toss salad until evenly coated.

Now, for those of us who need some badness to go with our healthy...a jalapeno and bacon grilled cheese sandwich.

Jalapeno and Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• 2 slices bread
• 1 1/2 (sandwich sized) slices good quality cheddar cheese
• 5 slices pickled jalapeno, roughly chopped
• 1 T. cooked bacon crumbles
• 1 T. good quality butter

Melt butter in skillet (preferably cast iron - it makes for a really nice even brown crust) over medium-high heat. Add a slice of bread, top with 1 slice of cheese, jaalpenos and bacon. Top with 1/2 slice of cheese and remaining slice of bread. Cook until bread is crispy golden brown, flipping midway to cook remaining side.