Peach Quinoa Salad: A Delicious Summer Treat

This refreshing Peach Quinoa Salad combines the vibrant flavors of fresh summer peaches, protein-packed quinoa, and a variety of nuts, all topped with a delightful vinaigrette, SSP writes. Here's how to prepare it:

Ingredients

- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

- 2 cups water or vegetable broth

- 3 ounces fresh spinach, torn into bite-sized pieces

- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion, rinsed and drained

- 3 small peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced

- 1 cup diced fresh peaches

- 1/2 cup pecan pieces or chopped hazelnuts, toasted

- 1/4 - 1/2 cup small fresh mint leaves, to taste

- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- 2-3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or white balsamic vinegar

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- 2 teaspoons raw honey or pure maple syrup

- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- 2 tablespoons orange juice

- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (to taste)

Directions

1. Prepare Quinoa: Rinse and Cook: Place the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.

2. Mix Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, bell pepper, pecans (or hazelnuts), and the drained red onion slices.

3. Prepare Peaches: Toss peach slices with orange juice to prevent browning. Add both the sliced and diced peaches to the salad bowl.

4. Make Vinaigrette:  In a small container or jar with a lid, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar (either type), Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Shake until well-mixed. If the honey doesn’t dissolve easily, you can microwave the mixture for about 10 seconds.

5. Assemble Salad: Add the cooked quinoa to the salad bowl. Pour the vignette dressing over the mixture and gently toss to combine. Optionally, garnish with crumbled feta.

Serve immediately to enjoy this flavorful and nutritious salad, perfect for a summer meal.

Note

For added convenience, substitute hazelnuts with your favorite nuts if you prefer. Adjust the mint leaves to your taste. This salad serves up to 2 people, providing over 13 grams of plant-based protein per serving.