Berry Peach Quinoa Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savoury flavours.
With its combination of juicy fruits, cottage cheese and nutty quinoa, this salad is a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet while still enjoying a tasty and filling meal.
Ingredients
- 1cupQuinoa
- 2cupWater
For Salad
- 4Peaches (diced)
- 250gBlueberries
- 100gStrawberries (sliced)
- 4medium-sized Cucumbers (sliced/cubed)
- 1cupCottage Cheese (Paneer)/Feta (crumbled)
- 2tbspBasil Leaves (chopped)
- 1tbspMint Leaves (chopped)
- 1/2cupPistachios
- 1/2cuproasted Pinenuts (optional)
For Dressing
- 3tbspExtra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3tbspDijon Mustard
- 3tbspWholegrain Mustard
- 8tbspLemon Juice
- 3tbspHoney
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
How to make Berry Peach Quinoa Salad
Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool.
Prepare Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, lemon juice, and honey to make the dressing.
Assemble Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, peaches, blueberries, strawberries, cucumbers, cottage cheese, basil, mint, pistachio and roasted pinenuts, if using.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything until well combined. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld. If desired, refrigerate the salad for a refreshing chilled twist.
Before serving, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
Garnish with additional mint and basil leaves if desired.
Serve the Berry Peach Quinoa Salad, as a refreshing and nutritious side dish or a light main course.
Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Adjust the quantities in the dressing to achieve your preferred balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavours.
Feel free to add other fruits, nuts, or seeds for additional texture and nutrition.
You can substitute cottage cheese with feta cheese for a different flavour.
Use fresh basil and mint for a burst of aromatic freshness.
You can prepare the quinoa and dressing in advance and assemble the salad just before serving to save time.
This recipe yields 4-5 servings, depending on portion size.
FAQS
How do I cook quinoa for Berry Peach Quinoa Salad?
To cook quinoa for your Berry Peach Quinoa Salad, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine it with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool before adding to your salad.
Can I make Berry Peach Quinoa Salad vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make Berry Peach Quinoa Salad vegan or dairy-free by substituting the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like tofu or a dairy-free yogurt. You can also omit the cheese entirely for a lighter version while still enjoying the delicious flavors of the fruits and quinoa.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Berry Peach Quinoa Salad?
If you don't have peaches, you can substitute them with nectarines or mangoes for a similar sweetness. For the cottage cheese, feta cheese works well, or you can use a vegan cheese alternative. If you want to skip the nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can add a nice crunch without the allergens.
How should I store leftover Berry Peach Quinoa Salad?
Store any leftover Berry Peach Quinoa Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you prefer a chilled salad, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge, but be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What dishes pair well with Berry Peach Quinoa Salad?
Berry Peach Quinoa Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light main course. It also makes a great side dish for barbecues or picnics. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty bean dish to create a balanced meal.
Loading reviews...
Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨ Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia