Step 1 Pour about one-half cup boiling water over the cranberries and leave them to soften until you are ready to toss the salad, at least 15 minutes.
Step 2 Meanwhile, wash and dry the kale, slice away the stems and discard them. Stack the greens and roll them into tight bundles, then slice very thinly with a sharp knife; you're aiming for a shredded look. You should have about 6 cups of shredded kale, which will shrink quite a bit the moment it is tossed with the oil and vinegar. Place the kale in a large bowl.
Step 3Wash and dry the arugula, cut off any tough-looking stems and cut it in short pieces. Toss the arugula with the kale.
Step 4Slice the olives off their stones and cut them in slivers. If using pine nuts, toast them lightly in a dry pan over low heat, stirring until they begin to turn golden and release their toasted fragrance. Core and seed the red pepper, quarter it lengthwise, and cut it in matchsticks. Toss the olives, nuts and pepper with the kale.
Step 5Drain the cranberries, then toss with the kale. Toss in the olive and walnut oils, the vinegar and sea salt. Taste the salad and correct the seasoning with a touch more salt or a drop of vinegar if it's needed; how much salt you need will depend on how salty the olives are. Just before serving, add the crumbled cheese if you like. This makes about 12 cups salad.
Step 6This salad keeps well for a day or so, though it will become softer as it sits. Because it is sturdy, it can travel to a picnic or a potluck.