Peach and Corn Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Ranch
Peach and Corn Quinoa Salad with Cilantro Ranch: filled with nutritious ingredients and bright, fresh flavor. This summer quinoa salad is perfect for meal prep lunches or easy entertaining.
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan with Lid
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dry (uncooked) quinoa
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups grilled corn kernels (from 2 cobs) (sub frozen/thawed fire-roasted corn)
- 2 medium peaches, diced
- 1 medium avocado, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup Queso Fresco, crumbled (sub feta)
- 1/3 cup minced red onion
- 1/3 cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds or pepitas
Cilantro Ranch
- 1/3 cup plain full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. water to thin dressing
Instructions
- Boil Quinoa. Combine quinoa, salt, and 1 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and gently simmer, covered, until the water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and empty quinoa into a large mixing bowl to slightly cool.
- Meanwhile, Prepare Cilantro Ranch. In a medium mixing bowl or large liquid measuring cup, combine yogurt, cilantro, oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste (I usually start with 1/4 tsp. of each); stir with a whisk until smooth. Whisk in 1 to 2 Tbsp. of water to thin to desired consistency.
- Assemble Salad. To the bowl of cooled quinoa, add grilled corn, peaches, avocado, Queso Fresco, red onion, and sunflower seeds or pepitas. Add Cilantro Ranch Dressing and toss to combine. Taste and season with extra kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Enjoy warm, chilled, or closer to room temperature.
Notes
- For extra protein, mix in canned chickpeas or top with grilled shrimp, salmon, or chicken.
- To store. Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Remove from the fridge ~20 minutes before eating to take the chill off.
Nutrition
Serving: 1.25cups | Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 500mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g