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Kale & Blueberry Quinoa Salad with Warm Onion Balsamic Vinaigrette

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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

Ingredients

Scale

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.)

Find it online: https://www.thesaucyfig.com/kale-blueberry-quinoa-salad-with-warm-onion-balsamic-vinaigrette/