Site icon Mayuri's Jikoni

Nectarine Quinoa Salad

mayurisjikoni
Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Recipe: Nectarine Quinoa Salad

Nectarine Quinoa Salad is a gluten free, vegan, colourful, bright, packed with flavours and textures kind of summery salad. With a homemade fresh ginger salad dressing, this is one salad you don’t want to miss out on. Each spoonful or should I say forkful reminded me of the apple mangoes back home. Yes, I have added nectarine but they were super sweet and almost reminded me of mangoes. I like the bite that the cooked quinoa adds to the salad but I have also tried it with couscous and it tastes equally good. And dare I mention that it is an adaptable salad. Besides quinoa and nectarine add other salad ingredients of your choice. If you’re not a fan of ginger salad dressing then go for a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Sharing Nectarine Quinoa Salad Recipe With 2025 Alphabet Challenge Group

Summer is at its peak this year, pretty hot almost reminds me of Mombasa. There are days when hubby and I don’t want to get out of the house after 10 a.m. The evenings become a bit cooler. However, this is the time of the year  I don’t feel like cooking too much. So quick, easy and yet filling salads becomes the norm. We’ve reached the letter Q in the alphabet challenge organized by Wendy. For this letter I had decided on using quinoa long time back. Then I came across this old post and it was begging for fresh photos. So here I am redoing and republishing an old recipe which I had posted on 07/09/2017. 

Q is for quinoa, quail eggs, quiche, quince, quark, quesadillas, queso, qatayef, Qatari Cuisine, etc.

For me Q is Quinoa.

Memories

September 2017 hubby and I were visiting my son in Montreal. Coming from Mombasa, fruits like nectarines, peaches, cherries, berries were a rarity. So you can image how much of these summer fruits we went through during our stay. Shopping at the Jean Talon and Atwater markets in Montreal is a foodies paradise. The bright, vibrant and fresh colors of the vegetables and fruits tempt the shoppers to overspend. I certainly go crazy when I visit the Jean Talon market which is about 30-40 minutes walk away from my son’s home. For hubby and me its like a child going to the fun fair. We visit all the stalls, breathe in the sweet smell, feast our eyes on the produces sold, gorge on a delicious buckwheat crepe, shop and walk back. During one of the visits to Jean Talon we bought a huge punnet of nectarines. But of course they all decide to ripen at the same time.

At that time I was participating in the Mega Blogging Marathon where I had chosen the theme “Protein Rich Dishes”. Being a vegetarian my plan was to showcase that vegetarians too can have protein rich meals that don’t include meat or fish. Obviously, protein rich  quinoa was one of the ingredients on my list. Ripe nectarines and quinoa resulted in a delicious and filling salad.

Why You Should Include Quinoa In Your Diet?

Quinoa is considered as a super grain. It has many health benefits:

  • It is rich in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids.
  •  Rich in magnesium which is essential for healthy heart, controls blood sugar and is necessary for nerve transmission.
  • Did you know it is  rich in iron? Yes it is.
  • Quinoa contains lysine which promotes tissue growth and repair.
  •  Good for the digestive system as it is rich in fibre.
  • A rich source of  manganese which helps to protect blood cells from injury.
  • Also contains quercetin which has antiviral, anti inflammatory and anti cancer effects.
  • For a  gluten free diet quinoa is an excellent choice.
  •  A versatile grain as one can replace rice, can be used to bind other food products to make kebabs, burgers etc., can be used in salads, make desserts etc.

Some Recipes With Q That You May Like

QUINOA PANIYARAM
Quinoa Paniyaram is a healthy, protein rich, gluten free, vegetarian breakfast or snack dish. Usually enjoyed with some chutney, this delicious dish is filling. What I like about paniyarams is that they can be enjoyed hot or cold. Therefore it is ideal for lunchboxes too.
Check out this recipe
QUICK TAWA NAAN RECIPE
Quick Tawa Naan Recipe, comes in handy when you don't want to wait for the dough to ferment, don't want to switch the oven one and best part is that they turn out soft and delicious. This quick naan recipe uses baking agents and yogurt.
Check out this recipe
QUINOA BURRITO BOWL SALAD
Quinoa Burrito Bowl Salad is a healthier way of enjoying burrito without all that extra rice, wrap and too many processed sauces. Quinoa replaces the rice, making this salad more protein rich and healthier without compromising on the overall flavour.
Check out this recipe
QUINOA DHOKLA
Quinoa Dhokla is a gluten free, protein rich, healthy snack or breakfast option. Easy to make, these spongy, melt in the mouth dhokla are a good way to include protein rich quinoa in your family's diet. And the best part is that they taste good whether they are hot or cold. This makes them ideal as lunch box snack option also.
Check out this recipe
QUINOA TANGERINE SALAD
Quinoa Tangerine Salad is a very colourful, flavourful, protein rich and filling salad. Not difficult at all to make, add ingredients of your choice. Colour, different textures and taste makes any salad appealing for fussy eaters. What I like about this salad is that is can easily be enjoyed as a light meal or for picnics. Easy to make for potluck parties. 
Check out this recipe
CHICKPEA & QUINOA BURGERS
Chickpea & Quinoa Burgers are protein rich with delicious savoury flavours, healthy and filling too. Served with hummus, salad leaves, tomato, cucumber, onion and cheese, it is an excellent way to add vegetables to your family's diet.
Check out this recipe
QUBANI NAAN
Qubani Naan is a sweetish exotic Mughlai flatbread with dried apricot,poppy seeds, cardamom & saffron. Usually served with a spicy curry.
Check out this recipe
BEAN & CORN QUESADILLA
Quesadillas! Who doesn’t go mad over crispy tortillas stuffed with cheesy goodness? A versatile dish, one can stuff it with meat, seafood or vegetables. Serve it with guacamole, salsa or any dip or sauce of your choice. The possibilities are endless.
Check out this recipe
QUINOA TABBOULEH SALAD
Quinoa Tabbouleh is a different version of the famous Classic Middle Eastern Salad. Bulgur wheat is replaced by protein rich quinoa which adds a lovely nutty kind of flavour to the salad. A healthy, filling, gluten free, vegan salad that is perfect served with pita bread or enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
Check out this recipe

 

Q Recipes By Members Of  The Group

Food Lust People Love: Shrimp and Quail Egg Garden Salad
Sneha’s Recipe: Quinoa Idli
Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Blueberry Banana Quick Bread
Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Sourdough Quinoa Bread
A Messy Kitchen: Roasted Cauliflower Quiche
Mayuri’s Jikoni: Nectarine Quinoa Salad
A Day in the Life on the Farm: Shrimp Fajita Quesadillas
Magical Ingredients: Queso Dip
CUlinary Cam: Quince Sharlotka
Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice: Parmesan Potato & Zucchini Crustless Quiche
Blogghetti: Ham and Broccoli Quiche

 

2025 Alphabet Challenge Journey So Far

AVOCADO, BEAN & MANGO SALAD
Avocado, Bean & Mango Salad is a zesty, nutritious, filling and delicious salad  bursting with colours. Like me if  you are a lover of both avocado and mango then this salad is just right for you. With homemade Cilantro Dressing, we love to have this salad as a light meal. I
Check out this recipe
BARLEY SALAD WITH GREEK LEMON HONEY DRESSING
Barley Salad with a Greek lemony dressing is easy to make, ideal potluck salad and makes a healthy meal. Add vegetables of your choice. What I like about this salad is that it stays fresh for at least 3 days in the fridge
Check out this recipe
CHICKPEA CHAAT SALAD
Chickpea Chaat Salad is a tasty, gluten free, vegan, slightly sweet, a bit spicy and tangy kind of salad. The star ingredient is boiled chickpeas. Add salad vegetables of your choice. This salad is a version of the popular Indian street food Chana Chaat.
Check out this recipe
DATE SALAD, OTTOLENGHI STYLE
Date Salad, Ottolenghi Style is a must try salad. The dates, sumac,  chilli flakes and marinated onion adds a bright, sweet, sour and slightly spicy taste. An excellent way to use up old pita bread, enjoy this salad as a meal or side dish.
Check out this recipe
AVOCADO EGG SALAD CUPS
Easy to make, protein rich and so flavourful, enjoy Avocado Egg Salad as a light meal or as a side dish.
Check out this recipe
FATTOUSH SALAD
Fattoush Salad is a delicious tangy, slightly sweetish, crunchy Levantine Salad made with veggies, herbs and crispy pita. Fattoush is an ideal weight loss salad as it is low in calories, filling and flavourful.
Check out this recipe
GUAVA SALAD, BURMESE STYLE
Guava Salad, Burmese Style is full of unique flavours imparted by toasted chickpea flour, fried onion, tamarind,  jaggery and the red chilli flakes. Easy to make, it can be enjoyed as a light meal if you are a guava lover like me.
Check out this recipe
GRILLED HALLOUMI SALAD AND BLACKBERRY SALAD DRESSING
Grilled Halloumi Salad is a colourful, healthy and filling Mediterranean inspired salad. Pair it with a fruity salad dressing like the blackberry one I made at home. Ideal as a summer picnic, party salad or as light meal.
Check out this recipe
ICE APPLE SALAD | TADGOLA SALAD
Ice Apple Salad with coconut milk, mint, cucumber and a few spices is a refreshing, cooling and unique summer salad. This salad is full of nutrients and an excellent way to enjoy the superfood - ice apples or tadgola.  Serve it as a starter or enjoy it as a light meal. Make sure it is served chilled.
Check out this recipe
ARMENIAN JAJUKH SALAD
Armenian Jajukh Salad is a refreshing, healthy, easy to make, five ingredient Cucumber and Yogurt Salad. Healthy, easy to make,cooling, refreshing and perfect for the summer season.
Check out this recipe
KACHUMBARI,KENYAN SALAD
Kachumabari, Kenyan Salad is the easiest, most popular and a superbly delicious side dish that goes well with chicken, fish, barbecued meat (nyama choma), kebabs, tikkas, pilau, ugali, etc. It is a basic salad of tomatoes, onion, fresh coriander, lemon and a bit of chilli.
Check out this recipe
LOBIA PANEER SALAD | BLACK EYED PEA PANEER SALAD
Lobia Paneer Salad is an Indian style, protein rich, healthy, filling and delicious salad. Easy to make, this black eyed beans or cow peas salad is a versatile one. Add any choice of vegetables and additional proteins to it. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a light nourishing meal.
Check out this recipe
MOONG DAL SALAD | KOSAMBARI
Moong Dal Salad is a popular, protein rich, delicious and healthy South Indian style salad. Known as Kosambari, it is generally made from yellow moong dal, cucumber and coconut. A tempering of mustard seeds, green chillis and curry leaves is added to make the salad flavourful.
Check out this recipe
CRISPY NOODLE SALAD
Crispy Noodle Salad is not only a filling nutritious light meal on its own but a dish which offers different flavours and textures. Quite easy to make, this salad is pretty versatile as you can add any ingredients that you like. Dress it up with a sweet, sour or a balanced dressing. This salad dish is inspired by the  famous and popular Aussie favourite Chang's Crispy Noodle Salad. This salad can be enjoyed warm or cold. So it is perfect for both the hot and cold seasons.
Check out this recipe
ORANGE AVOCADO SALAD
Orange Avocado Salad is a colourful, refreshing, full of flavour kind of  summer salad. Enjoy it as side or as a light meal. What I like about this salad is the delicious light orange dressing. And you can add other salad ingredients like radish, beans, quinoa, orzo, rice,  etc. Somehow I felt that oranges and tomatoes don't go together well.
Check out this recipe
PINEAPPLE SALAD
Pineapple Salad with berries, coconut, fresh mint, with  a drizzle of honey and some fresh orange juice makes a refreshing summery dessert salad. Enjoy it on its own or with some vanilla ice cream.
Check out this recipe

 

 

Ingredients Required For Nectarine Quinoa Salad

Quinoa

Use any quinoa of your choice – white, red, black or mixed. We need to rinse the quinoa in several changes of water to remove saponins. Rub the quinoa in water gently between your fingers to remove the bitter coating. General rule for cooking quinoa is you need 2 parts of water for every one part quinoa. It usually gets cooked within 20 minutes.

Water

We need some watch to blanch the beans and to cook the quinoa.

Nectarine

Use ripe but firm nectarines so that the salad does not go all mushy, Wash the nectarines, cut into halves. Remove the stone and chop the nectarines into small pieces.

Green Beans

Also known as French beans, string beans, snap beans, haricots verts. I usually use green beans but this time I got the yellow ones. So I have used those. Blanch the beans in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Remove them from the hot water and keep it in ice water.

Onion

For this salad I like using red onion. Peel and chop the onion finely. You can use white or yellow if you like.

Sweet Corn

Use fresh, tinned or frozen corn. I have used frozen corn which I cooked in the microwave oven for 2 minutes.

Cucumber

I have used Persian Cucumber which has tender skin. Dice the cucumber.

Olive Oil

Use good quality olive oil for the salad dressing.

Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger, peeled and grated or minced.

Lemon

I have used freshly squeezed lemon as it adds so much flavour to the salad dressing.

Salt

Add according to your taste.

Black Pepper

Freshly cracked pepper tastes too good.

Maple Syrup | Honey

Add honey or maple syrup to the salad dressing. For a vegan salad use maple syrup.

Basil

I like to add fresh basil . Can add fresh mint, coriander or oregano if you like.

 

 

 

 

 

Print

NECTARINE QUINOA SALAD

Nectarine Quinoa Salad is a gluten free, vegan, colourful, bright, packed with flavours and textures kind of summery salad. With a homemade fresh ginger salad dressing, this is one salad you don't want to miss out on.
Course Light Meal, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine International
Keyword easy quinoa salad, nectarine quinoa salad, quinoa and nectarine salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Author mayurisjikoni

Ingredients

FOR THE NECTARINE QUINOA SALAD

  • ½ cup quinoa
  • 1¼ cup water
  • 2 ripe nectarines
  • ½ cup sweet corn cooked
  • ¼ cup green beans approx 80g
  • ¼ cup red onion diced
  • ½ cup cucumber diced
  • 6-8 large fresh basil leaves

FOR THE GINGER SALAD DRESSING

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger minced or grated
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup | honey
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper coarsely ground

Instructions

PREPARE THE GINGER SALAD DRESSING

  • Add the ingredients for the dressing in a jar.
  • Screw the the lid of the jar tightly. Shake the jar till the dressing appears creamy.
  • Keep in the fridge to chill till required.

BLANCH THE BEANS

  • Heat the water in a saucepan till it begins to boil.
  • Add the whole green beans.
  • Allow the water to boil again. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
  • In the meantime add chilled water and some ice cubes in a bowl.
  • When the water begins to boil, remove the beans and add them to the iced water.
  • Leave them in the iced water till required.

PREPARE THE QUINOA

  • Rinse the quinoa in water 2-3 times. Each time, rub the quinoa between your fingers to remove the bitter saponin coating.
  • Add the washed quinoa to the hot water in which you blanched the beans.
  • Cover the pan, lower the heat. Allow the quinoa to cook for 20 minutes or till done.
  • Once cooked, allow the quinoa to cool down completely.
  • In the meantime dice the nectarines, onion, cucumber.
  • Chop the basil finely.
  • Remove the beans from the iced water. Pat them dry on a kitchen towel.
  • Trim the ends. Cut the beans into small pieces.
  • Add all the salad ingredients to a mixing bowl.
  • Add the cooked quinoa too. Mix well.
  • Add the ginger salad dressing and toss well.
  • Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.
  • Enjoy Nectarine Quinoa Salad as a side dish or as a light meal. Serves 4 as a side and 2 as a light meal.

Notes

  • It is important to rinse the quinoa properly to remove the natural coating saponin as it tastes bitter and soapy.
  • Don't overcook the quinoa and the beans. 
  • Add any salad ingredients and fresh herbs of your choice.
  • If you don't like ginger, prepare a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Pin For Later

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/237776055321736545/

 

 

A Small Request

If you do try this recipe then please either

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exit mobile version