Peach Quinoa Salad

Craving a vibrant and healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Peach Quinoa Salad is a delightful combination of sweet and savory, perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or even a refreshing summer dinner. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this salad will become a new favorite. Let’s dive into the magic of this delicious Peach Quinoa Salad!

Why You’ll Love This Peach Quinoa Salad

This Peach Quinoa Salad isn’t just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion! Here are some reasons why you’ll absolutely love it:

• 30-Minute Meal: Ready in a flash, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Sweet & Savory: A delightful balance of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Nutrient-Packed: Quinoa, peaches, and fresh herbs create a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Easy to Customize: Adapt the recipe to your liking with various add-ins.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge for several days.
• Irresistibly Refreshing: A light and vibrant dish, perfect for warm weather.

Simple enough for your first try, this salad will become a regular in your meal rotation!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant Peach Quinoa Salad. Remember to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor!

Salad Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) Quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups (480ml) Water or vegetable broth
• 2 ripe Peaches, pitted and diced
• 1/2 cup (75g) Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (50g) Fresh Mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup (50g) Fresh Basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup (50g) Crumbled Feta Cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup (30g) Toasted Almonds or pecans, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons (45ml) Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Lemon Juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• Salt and Pepper to taste

For the peaches, look for ones that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. For the herbs, fresh is always best, but dried can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon of each). To elevate the flavors, lightly toast the almonds before chopping.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Heavenly Vanilla Cream Filled Caramels – A sweet treat after the delicious Peach Quinoa Salad.

Essential Equipment List

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this salad. Here are the essentials and a few helpful additions:

• Medium Saucepan: For cooking the quinoa evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl for tossing all the ingredients together.
• Whisk: To emulsify the dressing smoothly.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the fruits and vegetables.

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A salad spinner is optional but helpful for drying the herbs and greens.

Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Peach Quinoa Salad.

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Combine the quinoa and water (or vegetable broth) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

While the quinoa is cooking, dice the peaches and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh mint and basil. If using, crumble the feta cheese and chop the toasted almonds.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced peaches, red onion, mint, basil, feta cheese (if using), and toasted almonds. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Peach Quinoa Salad immediately or chill for later. This salad is delicious on its own or as a side dish.

CHECK OUT: Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad – A healthy and fresh salad option.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Peach Quinoa Salad turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overcook the quinoa: It should be tender but not mushy.
• Use ripe but firm peaches: This will prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.
• Taste and adjust the dressing: Make sure the flavors are balanced to your liking.
• Toast the nuts for extra flavor: This adds a delicious crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.

If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked quinoa and pre-chopped vegetables to speed up the process.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your Peach Quinoa Salad? Here are some ideas:

• Add Greens: Mix in some spinach or arugula for extra nutrients.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal.
• Cheese Options: Substitute goat cheese or mozzarella for feta.
• Sweetener Alternatives: Use agave nectar or stevia instead of honey.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Peach Quinoa Salad

This Peach Quinoa Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to serve and pair it:

• Grilled Chicken or Fish: A light and healthy protein option.
• Roasted Vegetables: Such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Fresh Bread: To soak up the delicious dressing.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing beverage that complements the salad’s flavors.

This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer barbecues. Elevate the presentation by serving it in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with extra herbs and peaches.

Health Benefits

This Peach Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

• Quinoa: A complete protein source, rich in fiber and essential amino acids.
• Peaches: Provide vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
• Fresh Herbs: Mint and basil offer anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

This salad is a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet and support overall health. It’s also naturally gluten-free!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Peach Quinoa Salad:

• Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the peaches may become mushy upon thawing.

To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quinoa and dressing ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them with the other ingredients just before serving.

Can I use canned peaches?

While fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.

Can I substitute the lemon juice with lime juice?

Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice. It will add a slightly different flavor profile but still complement the other ingredients.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used as a substitute for fresh herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb for every 1/4 cup of fresh herbs.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes would all be great additions to this salad.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: Approximately 300
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 8g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore: Salad Sensations!

Craving more fresh and flavorful salads? Check out these other amazing recipes:

• Chickpea Caprese Salad – A protein-packed twist on a classic Italian salad.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – A vibrant and flavorful salad with a zesty lemon dressing.
• Thai Cabbage Chicken Salad – A crunchy and refreshing salad with a delicious peanut dressing.

Conclusion

This Peach Quinoa Salad is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!

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Happy cooking!

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