Kale and Edamame Salad (copycat of TJ's)

Trader Joe's has a lot of amazing fresh salads that is easy and convenient. If I'm in a rush or forget to pack a lunch, I know I can skip the fast food and chips and go over to Trader Joe's to get something more nutritious to eat. The downside, all the plastic wrapping makes me feel guilty environmentally and it's $4.00 a pop. So most days if I can help it, I'll make my own salad to bring to work.

This week however I did forget my lunch and tried their Kale and Edamame Bistro Salad. It was another great salad. This salad had alongside with kale and edamame sweetened dried cranberries, grape tomatoes, almonds, scallions, and a lemon herb dressing. I like most of the ingredients, except the grape tomatoes which I always find hard to eat without making a mess. I also would have liked to have some additional ingredients. The dressing was tangy and mayonnaise-based, so I decided to mimic it but make a healthier alternative with silken tofu. This way I can enjoy a salad dressing and know that I'm not just packing away empty calories. Hope you enjoy the modifications. If you want a more original flavor, use mayonnaise.

Ingredients:
Salad
4 c. kale, rib removed and finely chopped.
1/2 c. purple onion, thinly diced
1/4 c. carrots, finely shredded
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1 c. edamame beans
1/4 c. almond silver

Salad dressing
8 oz silken tofu (If prefer, substitute with 1/4 c. mayonnaise)
2 Tbs olive oil
3 Tbs lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest
2 Tbs fresh tarragon
2 Tbs fresh basil
2 Tbs fresh mint
1/4 tsp salt

 Directions:
1. In a pot of boiling water, add cranberries to re-hydrate for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare salad components and place in mixing bowl.
3. Place all salad dressing ingredients in a blender and blend till thoroughly mixed.
4. Add the amount of dressing desired to salad and toss. Serve and enjoy.