To make the dressing, combine all of the dressing ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Taste, and add extra salt if necessary.
Salad
To make the salad, chop the kale into very fine pieces and place it into a large mixing bowl. Add the toasted pecans.
Quarter and chop the apple into 1-inch pieces, and add it to the bowl.
If using the cheese, cut it into ½-inch cubes, and add it to the bowl.
Pour as much of the dressing as desired over the salad, and toss well to combine. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the salad. Divide into 2 large dinner portions, or 4 side portions, and serve immediately
Store any leftover dressing in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Notes
You may not need all of the dressing for 4 portions. Store leftover salad dressing in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.