When you're ready to make the salad, gather the chopped kale. If you buy full kale leaves, make sure to remove the steams and then finely chop the leaves. Now, in a large bowl, add the chopped kale, olive oil, lemon, juice and salt. Using your hands, massage the oil mixture into the kale. Massage for a minute or two. Kale has a tough texture, so finely chopping and massaging it helps minimize the toughness (plus it makes it much easier to eat)!
Time to assemble the salad. Add the kale, chicken, apple, carrots, avocado, onions, almonds, cranberries and cheese to the mason jar.
Store the mason jar salad in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
If you're enjoying the salad immediately, top it with the dressing and dig in!