• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Recipes
  • HOME
  • About
  • Contact

The Saucy Fig

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Kale & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Warm Onion Balsamic Vinaigrette

August 13, 2018 By Chelsey 4 Comments

Jump To Recipe
This Kale & Blueberry Quinoa Salad is a triple threat combo that packs a nutritional punch! Tossed in a heavenly warm onion balsamic vinaigrette, this fresh and healthy salad is so delicious and easy to make!

Living in Portland for the past year has been so fun, because of all of the awesome opportunities it offers. This week we had the chance to go on a tour of Bob’s Red Mill Factory. For those of you not familiar, Bob’s Red Mill is a producer of natural, certified organic, and gluten-free milled grain products. They pride themselves in being the “nation’s leading miller of diverse whole-grain foods”. During the tour we learned about some of the different grains they produce and it was really interesting and got me motivated to start cooking with some healthier, whole grain options! So get ready to see some fun recipes in the near future with unique and super healthy grains like farro, kamut berries and cracked freekeh!

Today I’m using a grain that is a little more in my comfort level, but still packs an amazing nutritional punch – quinoa. This super food is a tiny grain that is extremely nutrient dense and is a complete protein by itself. So if you are looking for a great vegetarian meal option that is still super filling, this salad is it!

Quick, easy and nutritious are the three criteria that I look for when planning my weeknight meals – and this salad passes with flying colors! I’m seriously OBBSESSED with the flavor and textures going on here. Juicy blueberries, creamy goat cheese and toasted pine nuts all tossed around some fresh crisp kale and nutty quinoa. I mean, how can you go wrong??

The real star of the show today is the warm onion balsamic vinaigrette. It is seriously TO DIE FOR!!! I’ve always been a fan of quinoa salads, however I feel like the majority of them have some sort of fresh citrusy dressing. While that’s all fine and dandy, it’s nice to have something unique for a change, and this balsamic vinaigrette is it! Super easy to make, here’s how this dressing magic happens:

First: warm a little olive oil, garlic, chopped onion, salt and maple syrup (or honey) in a small saucepan on the stove for 3-5 minutes

Next: transfer to a blender, add some balsamic vinegar and blend till smooth.

Viola!

Now the key to this salad, or really any fresh kale salad, is to remove the center stem (or rib) from the kale. You can do this by laying the leaf on the cutting board and using a paring knife, making two slices on both sides of the stem, leaving only the soft leaf portion of the kale. Also, massaging the kale thoroughly with oil and salt (or in this case the dressing) is crucial!!!

Hold up there. Massage kale? Say whaaaaa??

Yep. You heard me right. Massage. Your. Kale.

Not kidding. It’s totally a thing and if you’ve been skipping this step, it’s no wonder you don’t love fresh kale salads yet!! This method is called tenderizing, and you can decide how long to massage (yes with your hands) depending on how soft you or crunchy you like your kale in salads, however if you skip this step you will have tough, course, bitter, poky-chewy kale and I promise that is not something you want.

TIPS:

If you aren’t planning to finish this salad in one sitting, add the goat cheese only to the portion you are eating. I feel like goat cheese doesn’t sit super well with the dressing overnight.

You can EASILY change up the salad. It’s super versatile. Let’s say it’s winter and you want this but don’t want to buy (or can’t find) imported blueberries for $10 a pound. Just sub clementines! Seriously, peaches, pears, apples, strawberries, pretty much any fruit I can think would pair perfectly with this salad and dressing. Mmm… thinking about it now I’m definitely going to do peaches with this soon! Also, feel free to add in any extra favorites that you like. Roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and golden raisins are a few I can think of off the top of my head that sound lovely.

Pretty much, you can’t go wrong with this salad. It will quickly become a favorite, easy, go-to meal that your body AND taste buds will thank you for!

Print

Kale & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Warm Onion Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Kale & Blueberry Quinoa Salad is a triple threat combo that packs a nutritional punch! Tossed in a heavenly warm onion balsamic vinaigrette, this fresh and healthy salad is so delicious and easy to make!

  • Author: The Saucy Fig
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
Scale

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 bunch kale (about 8 loose cups)
  • 1–2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1–2 cups of blueberries
  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped yellow or sweet onion
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.  Refrigerate till cooled.
  2. Wash and prepare the kale by removing the middle stem (or rib) using a paring knife. Coarsely chop the remaining soft leaves and place in a large bowl.
  3. Prepare the vinaigrette by heating the olive oil in a small fry pan.  Add the garlic and chopped onions and cook for a minute, then add the salt and maple syrup or honey and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are softened.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a blender, add the balsamic vinegar, and blend until smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the kale and massage thoroughly with your hands until the kale becomes soft and tenderized.
  6. Toss the kale with the remaining salad ingredients: quinoa, blueberries (or other fruit of choice), goat cheese and pine nuts.
  7. Serve warm right away.  If not serving right away, leave the goat cheese off until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Add 1-2 cups of quinoa and blueberries, depending on the proportions you would like in your salad. I used about 1.5 cups of each.
  • If you aren’t planning to finish this salad in one sitting, add the goat cheese only to the portion you are eating. I feel like goat cheese doesn’t sit super well with the dressing overnight.
  • Use whatever fruit is in season.  This salad is super versatile and would be delicious with strawberries, peaches, clementines, you name it.
  • Other addition ideas: roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, golden raisins, different nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.)

Keywords: salad, kale, blueberries, quinoa, goat cheese, pine nuts, balsamic, side dish, main dish

Adapted from Veggie and The Beast

This Kale & Blueberry Quinoa Salad is a triple threat combo that packs a nutritional punch! Tossed in a heavenly warm onion balsamic vinaigrette, this fresh and healthy salad is so delicious and easy to make! via thesaucyfig.com
This Kale & Blueberry Quinoa Salad is a triple threat combo that packs a nutritional punch! Tossed in a heavenly warm onion balsamic vinaigrette, this fresh and healthy salad is so delicious and easy to make! via thesaucyfig.com
198 Shares
Print Recipe

You Might Also Like!

  • Kale Quinoa Pomegranate SaladKale Quinoa Pomegranate Salad
  • Gluten Free Pumpkin MuffinsGluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
  • Mint & Tomato Quinoa SaladMint & Tomato Quinoa Salad
  • Quinoa Blender PancakesQuinoa Blender Pancakes
  • The BEST Greek Salad & DressingThe BEST Greek Salad & Dressing

Filed Under: Gluten-Free, Main Dishes, Refined Sugar-Free, Salads, Sides, Vegetarian Tagged With: blueberries, easy, gluten-free, goat cheese, healthy, kale, main dishes, quinoa, salad, sides, vegetarian

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paul says

    July 23, 2019 at 11:47 am

    Great salad. I cut the kale small and made the ratio of kale to quinoa such that it was easier to chew and eat. You are right about leaving the goat cheese off until serving, it enhances the appearance and texture. It is a great next day salad that way. Kale is wonderful for that. Thanks Chelsey.

    Reply
    • Chelsey says

      July 24, 2019 at 7:34 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it! You can even leave the dressing off if you want to prep it for multiple days 😉

      Reply
  2. Kayla says

    August 25, 2018 at 4:46 pm

    Can’t wait to make this salad this week!

    Reply
    • Chelsey says

      September 5, 2018 at 1:06 am

      Yay! You’ll have to let me know how it turns out Kayla!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

meet chelsey

meet chelsey

Keep in Touch!

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Search

Subscribe

Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest blog posts!

Favorite Seasonal Recipes

A chocolate cupcake with a bite taken out of the side to show the salted caramel filling dripping out from the center of the cupcake.

Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Pretzel Cupcakes

Salted Caramel Chocolate Coconut clusters in cupcake liners.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Coconut Clusters {Three Ingredients!}

baked salmon topped with pistachio, herbs and dates.

Baked Salmon with Pistachio Gremolata

Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free Cranberry Apple Pear Crisp in a bowl with ice cream.

Cranberry Apple Pear Crisp {Gluten Free}

Overhead view of quinoa and kale salad with citrus vinaigrette in a bowl.

Kale Quinoa Pomegranate Salad

up close shot of paleo pumpkin cookies

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Archives

Footer

Subscribe

Get on the List!

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
What is your favorite indulgent dessert that you d What is your favorite indulgent dessert that you dream about for Valentine's Day?🌹
•
Mine are these rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Pretzel Cupcakes that are sure to be a crowd favorite!👌😍 They are filled with an easy homemade salted caramel filling and topped with a heavenly salted caramel buttercream and pretzel bark, perfect for Valentine's Day or any special occasion!
•
Find the recipe at (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/dark-chocolate-salted-caramel-pretzel-cupcakes/) or via the link in my bio!☝️
•
#buzzfeast #thefeedfeed @thefeedfeed #thekitchn @thekitchn #holidaybaking #valentinesdaydesserts #chocolate #chocolatecupcakes #caramelbuttercream #baking #sweets #instayum #f52grams #eeeeeats #nomnomnom #shareyourtable #huffpostetaste #bhgfood #foodblogger #linkinprofile #thesaucyfig @thebakefeed @thefeedfeed.chocolate @thefeedfeed.baking
These super easy three-ingredient Salted Caramel C These super easy three-ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Coconut Clusters are the best easy Christmas treat!🎄
•
Full of toasted coconut and chocolaty goodness, they are not only delicious but are perfect for little hands to help make and will soon become a family favorite!👌😍
•
Grab the recipe for those last minute Christmas treats you are making at
(https://www.thesaucyfig.com/salted-caramel-chocolate-coconut-clusters/) or the clickable link in my bio!👆
•
@chocoleychocolate #buzzfeast #thefeedfeed @thefeedfeed #thekitchn @thekitchn #holidaybaking #baking #sweets #instayum #f52grams #eeeeeats #nomnomnom #shareyourtable #christmastreats #christmascandy #easychristmastreats #huffpostetaste #bhgfood #foodblogger #linkinprofile #thesaucyfig
This Baked Salmon with Pistachio Gremolata is defi This Baked Salmon with Pistachio Gremolata is definitely my top favorite way to currently eat salmon. It is SO FREAKING TASTY. Trust me, you will want to go swimming in the gremolata, it's that delicious.👌😋
•
Best part is that it only takes 20 minutes start to finish!🙌 It's baked in the oven until tender and flaky on a bed of lemons, then finished with the most delicious crunchy topping of chopped pistachios, dates, and fresh herbs. It's the perfect easy recipe for any day of the week, yet elegant enough for those holiday dinner parties! Looking at you Christmas Eve😉🎄
•
Grab the recipe at (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/baked-salmon-with-pistachio-gremolata/) via the clickable link in my profile!👆
•
#holidayrecipes #holidaymaindishes #christmasdinner #christmasevedinner #salmon #bakedsalmon #pistachios #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating #weeknightdinner #easyrecipes #healthyeats #easyandhealthy #nomnomnom #eeeeeeats #foodblogger #foodblogeats #weeknightmeals #quickdinner #whatsfordinner #dinnertonight #dinnerrecipes #damnthatsdelish #realsimple #thecookfeed #bhgfood #makesmewhole #thesaucyfig
This gluten free, vegan, and naturally sweetened C This gluten free, vegan, and naturally sweetened Cranberry Apple Pear Crisp is out of this world delicious! It’s the perfect combination of tart and sweet and will be the favorite dessert at any holiday party!🎄
•
Now I’m a huge fan of apple pie for Thanksgiving, but I’m starting to consider replacing it with this Cranberry Apple Pear Crisp because holy wow is it good. The tart cranberries and granny smith apples mixed with the sweet pear is truly sublime.👌
•
Yes my friends, it is so so much better than the traditional apple crisp. Trust me.😉
•
Full Recipe: (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/cranberry-apple-pear-crisp-gluten-free/) or clickable link in bio!👆
•
#cranberryapplepearcrisp #glutenfree #vegan #buzzfeast #instayum #applecrisp #falldesserts #glutenfreevegan #refinedsugarfree #skinnydessert #thefeedfeed #52grams #instafood #delicious #ontheblog #thesaucyfig #healthyeats #easyandhealthy #nomnomnom #eeeeeeats #foodblogger #foodblogeats #holidaydesserts
This Kale Quinoa Pomegranate Salad is the real dea This Kale Quinoa Pomegranate Salad is the real deal. It's filled with a kaleidoscope of colorful and healthy ingredients and is so refreshing and light!😍👌
•
Packed with flavor from the plump juicy tangerines, pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, fresh mint and snappy citrus based vinaigrette, this salad is a refreshing meal or beautiful side dish for any feast this holiday season!🌲
•
This winter quinoa salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, and ideal for easy meal prep! And the best part is that it's super quick and easy to whip together!🙌
•
Full recipe: (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/kale-quinoa-pomegranate-salad/) or clickable link in bio!👆
•
#holidayrecipes #holidaysidedishes #christmassalads #kalequinoasalad #quinoasalad #pomegranates #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegetarian #weeknightdinner #easyrecipes #healthyeats #easyandhealthy #nomnomnom #eeeeeeats #foodblogger #foodblogeats #weeknightmeals #quickdinner #whatsfordinner #dinnertonight #dinnerrecipes #damnthatsdelish #realsimple #thecookfeed #bhgfood #makesmewhole #thesaucyfig
As soon as the fall season hits, all regular choco As soon as the fall season hits, all regular chocolate chip cookies in our house transform into these delicious soft and chewy pumpkin spiced chocolate chip cookies.🍪 And let me tell you - they are sure to make your autumn tastebuds sing!🍁
•
These healthy Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect fall treat. They are so easy to make, use just one bowl and only 10 ingredients!🙌
•
Full Recipe: (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/paleo-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies/) or clickable link in my bio!👆
•
#pumpkincookies #paleopumpkincookies #pumpkindesserts #paleo #glutenfree #fallbaking #dairyfree #paleodesserts #naturallysweetened #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #thekitchn @thekitchn #food52grams #food52bright @food52 #huffposttaste #huffpostfood @huffpost #foodie_features #eatingforinsta #kitchenbowl #eatpretty #marthafood #saveurmag #shareyourtable #damnthatsdelish @thefeedfeed.paleo @thefeedfeed.glutenfree
This Vegetarian Pressure Cooker Taco Soup recipe i This Vegetarian Pressure Cooker Taco Soup recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that’s full of all your favorite Mexican flavors! #ad It has a wonderfully rich broth and is filled with fiber and protein for a hearty Meatless Monday your whole family will love!
•
I partnered with my friends over at @purefarmland today, using their new line of Pure Farmland® Plant-Based Simply Seasoned Protein Starters to create this delicious and vegetarian version of our family's favorite taco soup in a pressure cooker! And let me tell you—it’s a keeper recipe for sure!
•
Grab the recipe at (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/instant-pot-taco-soup/) or via the clickable link in my profile!
•
#tacosoup #vegetarianrecipes #pressurecookerrecipes #soup #souprecipe #glutenfree #soupseason #f52grams #gloobyfood #dinnerideas #soupideas #comfortfood #thecookfeed #sundaycooking #soupoftheday #soupfordinner #feedfeed #kitchn #familydinner #eeeeeats #instayum #comfortfood #weeknightdinner #linkinbio #thesaucyfig @thefeedfeed @kitchn #meatlessmonday #tacotuesday🌮
These fun Monster Chocolate Cake Pops are perfect These fun Monster Chocolate Cake Pops are perfect for Halloween or Monster themed birthday parties! They are simple to make and are the perfect grab-and-go dessert for the kids!👻
•
Your little monsters will have a hard time keeping their hands off of these Monster Chocolate Cake Pops! They are such a fun treat for all ages, and start with a made-from-scratch chocolate cake recipe that will be sure to win the hearts of every guest at your party!
•
Would you just look at those cute little monster eyes?! My kids had so much fun making AND eating these Monster Cake Pops. Of course I used @sprinklepop.shop sprinkles to decorate these cake pops with yellows, greens, oranges and blues. Aren't they so fun?
•
Full recipe at (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/monster-chocolate-cake-pops/) or clickable link in bio!
•
#cakepops #cakedecorating #popcakes #halloween #halloweentreats #monsterparty #monstercake #halloweendesserts #halloweenbaking #cakesinstyle #cakestyling #chocolatecake #cakeoftheday #cakeboss #cakesdaily #chocolatedesserts #chocolatelovers #feedfeedchocolate #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #thekitchn @thekitchn #food52grams #food52bright @food52 #huffpostfood @huffpost #foodie_features #eatingforinsta #ourfoodstories #thesaucyfig
These easy and healthy Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins These easy and healthy Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins are the perfect fall treat!🎃🍂They are made in one bowl, take less than 30 minutes and are dairy-free and naturally sweetened with maple syrup!🙌
•
In all honestly, pumpkin is not my first go-to flavor when the fall season hits. Usually I'm on team 🍎 , however these gluten free pumpkin muffins have completely taken over first spot in my fall "must-bake" list! The warm fall spices with the maple syrup, pumpkin and dark chocolate are truly a magical combination. ✨✨
•
Full recipe: (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-muffins/) or clickable link in bio!☝️
•
#pumpkinmuffins #pumpkindesserts #glutenfree #fallbaking #glutenfreepumpkinmuffins #dairyfree #naturallysweetened #feedfeedchocolate #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #thekitchn @thekitchn #food52grams #food52bright @food52 #huffposttaste #huffpostfood @huffpost #foodie_features #eatingforinsta #kitchenbowl #eatpretty #marthafood #saveurmag #shareyourtable #damnthatsdelish
✨Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts✨ • Now I kn ✨Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts✨ •
Now I know brussels sprouts have been known for getting a bad rap in the past, but when cooked correctly they are absolutely delicious! No mushy, boiled brussels sprouts here my friends! Just perfectly charred crispy Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with a squeeze of lemon and topped with salty pecorino cheese. Yes MA'AM!👌
•
These Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are so easy to make! They take less than 10 minutes to throw together before tossing them in the oven to roast.🙌
•
Grab the recipe in the link in my bio!
https://www.thesaucyfig.com/garlic-roasted-brussels-sprouts/
•
#brusselssprouts #sidedish #weeknightdinner #easyrecipes #healthyeats  #easyandhealthy #nomnomnom #eeeeeeats #foodblogger #foodblogeats #weeknightmeals #quickdinner #whatsfordinner #dinnertonight #dinnerrecipes #damnthatsdelish #realsimple #thecookfeed #bhgfood #makesmewhole #sweetmagazine #droolclub #gloobyfood #thesaucyfig
To be honest, this is the best chocolate cake I've To be honest, this is the best chocolate cake I've ever tasted - vegan or otherwise! This Vegan German Chocolate Cake is super moist and rich and you would never even know it was vegan if I didn't tell you. The vegan buttercream is fluffy and perfectly sweetened and the vegan caramel is absolutely incredible!👌
•
I made this cake for a bridal shower a friend was hosting, and it was so fun to decorate!  I used @sprinklepop.shop Vintage Rose Gold Mix along with their Gold Dragee sprinkles, aren't they beautiful?😍
•
Full recipe: (https://www.thesaucyfig.com/the-best-vegan-german-chocolate-cake/) or clickable link in bio!👆
•
#sprinklepopblogseries #vegan #germanchocolatecake #cake #chocolatecake #vegancake #veganchocolatecake  #chocolatedesserts #chocolatelovers #feedfeedchocolate #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #thekitchn @thekitchn #food52grams #food52bright @food52 #huffpostfood @huffpost #foodie_features #eatingforinsta #ourfoodstories #kitchenbowl #eatpretty #marthafood #saveurmag #myopenkitchen #damnthatsdelish #feedfeedvegan
This decadently rich and creamy Mexican Dark Choco This decadently rich and creamy Mexican Dark Chocolate Mousse with Pistachios and Sea Salt is so elegant yet easy to make! Spiced with warm, fragrant notes of cinnamon and just the right amount of heat from cayenne pepper, it's the stuff dreams are made of! 🤩
•
Bonus: it takes less than 30 minutes to whip together and is the definition of gourmet made simple.🙌 Trust me, you need this Mexican chocolate mousse in your life!👌
•
Grab the recipe at: https://www.thesaucyfig.com/mexican-dark-chocolate-mousse/ or clickable link in bio!
•
#chocolatemousse #chocolatebowl #mexicanchocolatemousse #mexicandesserts #chocolate #chocolatedesserts #chocolatelovers #glutenfree #feedfeedchocolate #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #thebakefeed #thekitchn @thekitchn #food52grams #food52bright @food52 #huffposttaste #huffpostfood @huffpost #foodie_features #eatingforinsta #ourfoodstories #kitchenbowl #eatpretty #marthafood #saveurmag #myopenkitchen #onmyplate #shareyourtable #nytcooking #damnthatsdelish

Copyright © 2021 · The Saucy Fig · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy