Kale Blueberry Salad – Easy Kitchen Guide

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or planning a simple weeknight family dinner, the right side dish can elevate the entire meal. I’ve found that nothing complements grilled chicken, fish tacos, or even a hearty veggie burger like a refreshing salad.

 Today, let’s dive into a delightful Kale Blueberry Salad that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll want to serve it at every gathering.

Kale Blueberry Salad is a wonderful medley of textures and flavors. With the earthiness of kale, the sweetness of juicy blueberries, and the tang of apple cider vinegar, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious delight. 

It’s light, vibrant, and incredibly easy to prepare. What’s more, it can be made in advance, making it a perfect choice for busy weeks or entertaining guests.

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What is Kale Blueberry Salad?

Kale Blueberry Salad combines the nutritional powerhouse of kale with the juicy sweetness of blueberries, creating a fresh and vibrant dish. Toss in some grated carrots for crunch and dried cranberries for a chewy texture, and you’ve got a salad that is both satisfying and loaded with vitamins. Drizzled in a zesty dressing, this salad brightens up your table and palate alike.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a crunchy leaf of kale complemented by a sweet burst of blueberries. The slight tang from the apple cider vinegar enhances the flavors without overpowering them. The sweetness of the cranberries adds a nice contrast, while the carrots provide an extra crunch. Each forkful manages to be both refreshing and satisfying—a winning combination for any palate.

Why This Recipe Works?

This recipe works because it brings together various ingredients that not only taste fantastic but also offer a wealth of health benefits. Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while blueberries boast antioxidants that are excellent for your health. The dressing is light yet flavorful, tying all the ingredients together beautifully. Plus, the salad can be stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together even more as it sits.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad:

– 1 bunch kale, washed, tough stems removed, and chopped

– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

– 3-4 medium carrots, either grated or cut into thin matchsticks

– 1 cup dried cranberries (or craisins)

– 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (to be added just before serving)

– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor

Ingredients From : natashaskitchen.com

How to Make Kale Blueberry Salad?

Creating this salad is a breeze! You’ll whip up a simple dressing and toss it all together. Let’s get into the step-by-step process to make sure it’s done right.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth dressing. Taste it! Adjust the seasoning if needed—adding a bit more salt or sugar to suit your preference.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your chopped kale, grated or julienned carrots, and dried cranberries. These ingredients form the foundation of the salad, so make sure they’re mixed together well.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the kale mixture. Using tongs or two large forks, gently toss the salad so that the dressing evenly coats the leaves and veggies. You want every bit of kale and carrot to experience that zippy flavor.

Step 4: Chill Out

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad rest for at least 3-4 hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to develop and the kale to soften just a bit, making it tastier.

Step 5: Finish with Blueberries and Onions

When you’re ready to serve, pull the salad out of the fridge. Toss in the sliced red onion and fresh blueberries. Give it another gentle mix so that those sweet berries are nicely distributed throughout the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy the freshness!

Notes

– Prepping Kale: For a more tender texture, massage the kale leaves with a little olive oil before adding the dressing. This helps soften the leaves and makes for a more enjoyable bite.

– Add Some Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts or seeds for added texture. Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds work wonderfully.

– Sweetener Alternatives: If you’re watching sugar intake, consider swapping granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup in the dressing.

– Herbal Touch: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can elevate this salad. Add them in right before serving for a burst of freshness.

– Meal Prep Buddy: This salad pairs excellently with grilled chicken or fish. Prepare it in advance and serve alongside your protein for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Kale Blueberry Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for about 2-3 days. However, it may get a bit soggy over time due to the dressing, so it’s best to eat it within a couple of days for the best flavor and texture. If you’re expecting leftovers, consider keeping the fresh blueberries and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Sides for Kale Blueberry Salad

1. Grilled Chicken – A simple herb-marinated grilled chicken breast complements the salad perfectly.

2. Fish Tacos – The freshness of the salad balances well with the spices of fish tacos.

3. Veggie Wraps – A light, flavorful wrap filled with your favorite summer veggies makes a great pairing.

4. Stuffed Peppers – Stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa and black beans can be a wholesome addition.

5. Quinoa Salad – A chilled quinoa salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a filling side that doesn’t overpower the salad.

What Are Some Alternative Choices to the Ingredients in Case They Are Not in Your Pantry?

1. Kale Substitute: Swiss chard can be a great alternative if you don’t have kale on hand.

2. Cranberries Replacement: Raisins or chopped dates can replace dried cranberries if you want a different fruity kick.

3. Red Onion Switch: Shallots can add a milder onion flavor if red onion isn’t available.

4. Vinegar Alternative: If apple cider vinegar is out of reach, consider white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different yet pleasant tang.

5. Olive Oil Replacement: You can use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor and the same health benefits.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan.

Q2: How do I make it gluten-free?

All the ingredients in this salad are gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Q3: Can I use frozen blueberries?

Fresh blueberries are recommended for this recipe, but if you only have frozen, you can use those. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding.

Q4: How can I make this salad spicier?

For a spicy kick, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the dressing.

Q5: Can I add protein to this salad?

Certainly! Toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even feta cheese to enhance the protein content.

Conclusion

Kale Blueberry Salad is more than just a salad. It’s a celebration of flavors and nutrition that can easily become a staple on your table. As summer approaches and fresh produce becomes even easier to access, this recipe will brighten your meals.

Enjoy it as a side or a light lunch, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients. Get creative, have fun, and make this dish your own. With its simplicity and deliciousness, it’s bound to become a favorite!

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