Lemony Kale, Quinoa, and Fig Salad

This Lemony Kale, Quinoa, and Fig Salad is tossed with prosciutto and gorgonzola and is satisfying enough to be enjoyed as a meal.

If you were to investigate my Google search history, you would likely see a search for “when are figs in season?” somewhere in the recent history. Because I can never remember when they’re in season and I always, always want them! It turns out that fig season is mostly in the summer, but often runs through September (now that I wrote it down, maybe I’ll remember??). Which means we’re nearing the end of the season and I need to buy and consume as many figs as humanly possible immediately. Also, please don’t snoop into my Google search history because it might make you decide you don’t want to be my friend anymore. I already share too much here.

I also hope you’ll still want to be my friend if I tell you I’m generally perfectly happy eating salad for dinner. Of course, it has to be the right salad. Figs almost always make it the right salad. Figs with prosciutto? The BEST salad.

LEMONY KALE, QUINOA, AND FIG SALAD RECIPE

Do you ever have a recipe with so much good stuff in it that you just don’t know what to call it? That’s how I feel about this salad I created. I mean, I’m calling it Lemony Kale, Quinoa, and Fig Salad, but really that doesn’t even begin to cover it. Well, I guess it begins to cover it. But it kinda sorta leaves out two very crucial ingredients. Namely gorgonzola and prosciutto. But I just couldn’t bring myself to call this Kale, Quinoa, Fig, Gorgonzola, and Prosciutto Salad. And the gorgonzola and prosciutto are really just some touches of flavor making an appearance, while the kale, quinoa, and figs are the star of the show.

Let’s give them the spotlight, ladies and gentleman. Gorgonzola and prosciutto are always trying to steal the show. Ugh.

But I mean… I’m not sure I’d totally want to call this kale fig salad dinner if not for that prosciutto. So, I have to give it a little shoutout.

And I did just read this crazy article about how many people in France don’t even know what kale is. Which made me feel both sad for the French and happy for the French at the same time. And also kind of bad for myself because French women don’t get fat AND they don’t eat kale. What? How? Thank goodness I love kale. If you don’t, I think you miiiight after you try this kale fig salad. It’s worth a shot, right?

This is the second kale and quinoa salad I’ve become obsessed with… But I think this one is even better than the first. And I have to admit that there’s almost nothing I love more than a kale caesar salad. Even for dinner. Even when there is no meat involved. Add in some figs, prosciutto, and gorgonzola? I think my head just exploded. Also, while figs are still in season, I really want to make this Sage Fig Cocktail from Burrata and Bubbles.

And also, how is it only Wednesday? I’m just wondering. If anyone has an answer for me, I’d LOVE to hear it. Because UGH.

How do you feel about kale, quinoa, and figs acting as the stars in your salad?

Print

Lemony Kale, Quinoa, and Fig Salad

Prep Time

15 mins

Resting Time

30 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

This Lemony Kale, Quinoa, and Fig Salad is tossed with prosciutto and gorgonzola is and satisfying enough to be enjoyed as a meal.

Course: Appetizer, Entree, Side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Figs, Kale, salad

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Sues

Ingredients

• 6 cups kale, ribs removed and chopped
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 3 cups cooked quinoa (from 1 cup raw quinoa)
• 8 fresh figs, quartered
• 3 oz. gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 3 oz. prosciutto, chopped

Lemony Balsamic Dressing

• 3 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 1/2 lemons)
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper

Instructions

1. Place kale in a large bowl and squeeze lemon over the top. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
   

2. Mix cooked quinoa into kale.

3. Add quartered figs, crumbled gorgonzola, and chopped prosciutto into bowl and toss well.

4. Pour dressing over salad and toss well.

Lemony Balsamic Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk ingredients together.