Baby Kale Salad with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Cranberries

balsamic vinegar

pure maple syrup

dijon mustard

salt and pepper,

plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

baby kale

slices of crumbled bacon, cooked according to package instructions

crumbled blue cheese (such as Castello)

dried cranberries

pecan pieces, toasted*

chopped red onion