Wheat Berry, Kale, and Cranberry Salad

I thought this was just okay. I thought it really lacked flavor, unless you count red onion as a flavor, in which case it was PACKED with flavor. Surprisingly, my boyfriend really like it. A kale salad? Who is this person? I probably won't make it again, but if you do, don't skip the cranberries!

This was my first kale salad, and I was not disappointed. Following a tip, I added the oil and salt first to the kale and other ingredients and "massaged" them in, then let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes before adding the vinegar and pepper. I made this for supper, so I skipped the crackers and cookies and shredded some Gruyere to go on top (as this is basically a French Manchego). I normally don't care for vinaigrette dressings but the cranberries offset the tartness of the vinegar; and even though I used the tougher Russian kale (instead of lacinato) it had sufficiently absorbed the liquids and other flavors so that it was neither tough nor bitter. Even my husband who doesn't care for even cooked kale declared it good, and it was quite filling and satisfying. This was a nice introduction to kale salad and I'm looking forward to exploring other possibilities.