This peach quinoa salad is my go-to when the sun’s shining and dinnertime needs to feel light, fresh, and happy. It started during a weekend grill night—we had leftover corn, some just-ripe peaches, and a big batch of quinoa. I tossed them together with avocado, feta, and herbs, and it was love at first bite. Sweet, smoky, tangy, and creamy all at once.
This isn’t just any salad. It’s hearty enough for dinner, light enough for lunch, and pretty enough to bring to a cookout. The best part? It’s packed with flavor, color, and nutrition, all while staying under 30 minutes to prep. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your salad game, this peach quinoa salad delivers. And yes—it’s very “Jennifer Aniston salad” energy (but with a summery twist).
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How This Peach Quinoa Salad Became a Summer Staple
My Go-To for Fast, Healthy Dinners
Every busy mom needs a few no-fuss meals that still feel special. This peach quinoa salad hits that sweet spot. You can make it ahead of time and it actually tastes better as it sits. The quinoa absorbs all that herby dressing, while the peaches, corn, and tomatoes add bright summer vibes. The first time I made it, my kids called it “rainbow rice”—and they didn’t even notice the jalapeños.
Quinoa salads are some of my favorite ways to get protein and fiber without feeling heavy. Unlike pasta or lettuce-based salads, quinoa holds its texture and flavor for days. This means leftovers turn into a lunchbox dream.
Why Peaches + Corn + Feta Just Work
It’s the balance. You’ve got the juicy sweetness from fresh peaches, earthy quinoa, creamy avocado, salty feta, and the smoky kick of grilled corn. Add in a honey-herb vinaigrette and you’ve got a bowl that tastes like summer.
Using both raw and grilled corn creates this layered flavor you don’t expect—but you’ll want it again and again. If you’re as into peach salad combos as I am, you’ll probably also fall for this grilled peach salad or even the creamy twist of a peach and burrata salad.
This peach quinoa salad recipe doesn’t just look gorgeous—it’s deeply satisfying with layers of texture and flavor that make it impossible to get bored of.
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Peach Quinoa Salad with Corn & Feta
A fresh and filling summer peach quinoa salad with corn, avocado, feta, and a herby citrus dressing. Great for meal prep, cookouts, or quick weeknight meals.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Salad
3 cups cooked quinoa
1–2 tablespoons Tajin or chili powder
2 ears grilled corn, kernels cut
2 ears raw corn, kernels cut
1–2 peaches, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1–2 avocados, chopped
2 tablespoons candied or pickled jalapeños
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons spicy or regular honey
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons chives, chopped
1 small shallot, chopped
1 garlic clove, grated
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
1. Cook quinoa and let it cool completely.
2. Grill two ears of corn until lightly charred, then cut kernels off the cob.
3. Combine grilled and raw corn, chopped peaches, cherry tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, and feta in a large bowl.
4. In a jar or bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, chopped herbs, shallot, and garlic. Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
5. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
6. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Add toasted pepitas or almonds for crunch.
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Peach quinoa salad ingredients that make it unforgettable
What goes into a good peach quinoa salad
This salad’s versatility and deliciousness are its greatest features. At its core, you need cooked quinoa, sweet peaches, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and plenty of corn—both grilled and raw. That mix of textures brings the perfect bite every time. The feta cheese crumbles add a salty contrast that pulls everything together, while the candied or pickled jalapeños bring a little unexpected heat.
Adding chili powder or Tajin adds depth and a burst of spiciness. Whether you make it for a light dinner or prep it ahead for meal planning, it’s a salad that never gets boring. This dish goes well with other summer salads, such as my air fryer chicken salad or this apple cranberry chicken salad’s sweet tang.
You’ll want to use quinoa that’s cooled completely so the herbs and dressing don’t wilt. I usually make the quinoa the night before and store it in the fridge until I’m ready to build the salad.
Fresh summer herbs and dressing you can shake in a jar
The strong herbivorous dressing is what unifies this entire salad. It’s a simple combo: extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey (regular or spicy), and a handful of fresh herbs—cilantro, basil, and chives. Shallot and garlic give it that savory punch, and chili flakes bring just a touch of heat.
The dressing is light but super flavorful. It doesn’t overpower the peaches or corn, just enhances everything naturally. I love that it doubles as a marinade too—perfect for grilled chicken if you’re looking to turn this into a protein-packed meal.
This dressing also works well on other dishes, so I often keep a small jar ready in the fridge. It adds fresh flavor to something like a buffalo ranch chicken salad or even a crisp dijon potato salad.
Just whisk or shake it up in a mason jar, season it with salt and black pepper to your liking, and you’re ready to drizzle. Trust me—don’t skip the herbs. They really make this salad sing.
Creative ways to serve and enjoy peach quinoa salad
How to serve peach quinoa salad for any occasion
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this peach quinoa salad works beautifully. It’s stunning enough to be the centerpiece of your summer table, yet simple enough to scoop into a bowl and eat on the couch.
I love serving it slightly chilled. The cool quinoa, sweet peaches, and juicy corn make it so refreshing. It holds up well at room temperature too, which makes it a favorite for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep. If you’re craving more peach-forward dishes, try this peach basil chicken salad or simple peach arugula salad—both are great pairings with grilled proteins.
Want to make it a full meal? Just add grilled chicken or shrimp right on top. You can also serve it inside lettuce cups for a fun twist, or pile it over greens for extra crunch. If you like a bit of bite, add more jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Make it your own with swaps and seasonal twists
This salad is endlessly customizable. Out of peaches? Try nectarines or even mango. No feta? Goat cheese or cotija are tasty swaps. You can add cucumbers for crunch, or swap corn for grilled zucchini if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
If you’re not into cilantro, skip it or use flat-leaf parsley. The same goes for the spicy honey—if you prefer it mild, stick with regular honey and skip the extra heat.
The dressing works year-round too. In cooler months, roast your corn and peaches for a cozier vibe and serve the salad slightly warm. This flexible formula means you can enjoy a version of this peach quinoa salad almost any time of year, which is exactly why I keep it on repeat.
You’ll find it fits right in with other seasonal salads like the grilled peach salad or this peach and burrata salad. Once you try it, you’ll be dreaming up your own versions in no time.
Creative ways to enjoy peach quinoa salad
Serving ideas for every season
This peach quinoa salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a full experience on the plate. I often serve it chilled straight from the fridge, especially on hot days when nobody wants to turn on the oven. It’s cool, crisp, and satisfying without being too heavy.
For family dinners, I scoop generous portions into big bowls and top with extra feta or grilled chicken. It also works well buffet-style, nestled between other summer dishes like grilled veggies or apple cranberry chicken salad. When we have guests, I’ll serve it as part of a colorful salad board with pita chips or toasted sourdough for dipping.
It holds up wonderfully at room temperature too, which makes it ideal for outdoor events, meal trains, or weekend meal prep. If you love salads that double as lunch the next day, this one’s a keeper.
Easy ways to change it up
What makes this salad so special is how easy it is to customize. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, go with nectarines or roasted butternut squash for a fall version. You can also swap out quinoa for couscous, farro, or even brown rice to switch up the base.
Try goat cheese if feta isn’t your thing, or leave out cheese altogether for a dairy-free option. The avocado can be added just before serving to avoid browning, and the jalapeños are totally optional if you want to skip the heat.
For extra crunch, add toasted pepitas or chopped almonds. Sometimes I toss in baby spinach to bulk it up or drizzle extra dressing just before serving to freshen it up.
This salad fits in naturally with dishes like the buffalo ranch chicken salad or dijon potato salad. You can mix and match based on what you have, which makes it perfect for busy weeks or casual entertaining.
Why peach quinoa salad is perfect for healthy eating and meal prep
Packed with nutrients and feel-good ingredients
This salad isn’t just pretty to look at—it delivers serious nutritional value. Quinoa is more substantial than your typical salad since it provides a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber. Combined with healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, it’s a balanced, wholesome meal that won’t leave you hungry in an hour.
Peaches and tomatoes add antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and a natural sweetness that makes the whole dish pop. Corn offers a touch of crunch and natural carbs, while feta brings in calcium and flavor with less than you’d use in most creamy dressings. It’s also gluten-free and can easily be made vegan if you skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
When you compare it to some store-bought salads, this homemade version is lighter, fresher, and way more satisfying. It’s a great option if you’re working toward health goals or just want to eat clean without sacrificing taste.
Make-ahead friendly and easy to store
If you love meals you can prep once and eat all week, this peach quinoa salad checks every box. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, especially if you hold off on adding the avocado until just before serving. The quinoa soaks up the dressing without getting soggy, and the peaches stay juicy and sweet.
I often double the batch and portion it into individual containers for lunches. It travels well and doesn’t need to be reheated, which is great for school, office, or road trip meals. For best texture, give it a quick toss before eating and adjust the seasoning if needed.
The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making day two and three even better. If you’re already a fan of salads that improve overnight—like this grilled peach salad or peach and burrata salad—you’ll love how this one matures in the fridge.
It’s one of those rare recipes that makes eating healthy feel easy, colorful, and delicious—no sacrifice required.
Frequently asked questions about peach quinoa salad
Is quinoa salad healthy to lose weight?
Yes, quinoa salad can be a helpful option if you’re aiming to lose weight. Quinoa is rich in fiber and protein, which helps you feel full longer. When paired with fresh fruits, vegetables, and a light dressing like in this peach quinoa salad, it makes a satisfying and balanced meal that supports healthy eating without feeling restrictive.
What are the ingredients for the Jennifer Aniston salad?
The popular Jennifer Aniston salad includes bulgur wheat, chickpeas, cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, pistachios, and feta cheese. It’s light and refreshing—similar in spirit to this peach quinoa version, but with a Mediterranean spin. Both are great examples of wholesome, colorful salads that combine flavor with nutrition.
Is it okay to eat quinoa salad every day?
Absolutely, as long as you keep your ingredients fresh and varied. Quinoa is a complete protein and offers slow-digesting carbohydrates, making it a great daily base. You can rotate different veggies, dressings, and add-ins to keep things interesting. This peach quinoa salad is perfect for summer, while warmer versions with roasted vegetables are great for cooler months.
What is a good dressing for quinoa salad?
A light vinaigrette with citrus, herbs, and a hint of sweetness is ideal. In this recipe, olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and honey make the base, while herbs like cilantro and basil add flavor. You can also use tahini-based dressings, balsamic glazes, or even yogurt-based dressings depending on your ingredients and season.
Conclusion
This peach quinoa salad is a fresh, easy, and wholesome dish that brings summer flavors to your table in the best way possible. Whether you’re eating it solo on a busy weekday or bringing it to your next potluck, it’s a salad that always impresses—and disappears fast.
With juicy peaches, crisp corn, creamy feta, and a bright herby dressing, every bite delivers something a little different. It’s flexible, nutrient-rich, and naturally gluten-free, making it a go-to for just about everyone at the table. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it all season long.
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