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Grilled Jalapeño Peach Quinoa Salad – summer peaches, corn, and tomatoes tossed together with quinoa, avocado, and spicy/sweet candied jalapeños. Add a yummy herb dressing and lots of crumbled feta for a colorful salad that’s anything but boring. It’s the combination of grilled and raw corn, sweet, juicy peaches, and herb-based dressing. They’re a unique, flavorful, and hard-to-beat combo. A beyond delicious summer salad.
I know a salad might not seem all that exciting, but I promise you this salad really is worth it. It’s a little different, maybe even slightly “retro” with its highlight of quinoa (I feel like quinoa had its moment back in 2012). But it’s all things, “holy freaking YUM”.
Originally, I wanted to recreate a BBQ grilled corn quinoa salad that I made all the way back in 2012. It’s funny, when I look back at those old, old recipes I think one of two things. One, “wow this recipe is very long and a little odd. I wonder if anyone ever made this?”. And two, “wow, this recipe honestly sounds pretty good, I should make this again”.
Most of the recipes from that first year are tasty but way too involved for every day. So glad I learned to adapt to creating quick and simpler recipes! But some of the recipes still sound totally yummy. Sometimes when I’m stuck on ideas, I pull out those old gems and recreate them.
Which is just what I did here, only this salad is totally different. But the inspo was there!
Making this is easy – here are details
First things first, if you don’t have any leftover quinoa in the fridge, cook up the quinoa according to package directions. I bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of dry quinoa, cover, and simmer over the lowest heat possible for 25-30 minutes. Just like I cook rice. It’s super easy.
Now move on to the dressing.
It’s a lot of ingredients, but mostly herbs and seasonings you hopefully have on hand. Olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, spicy or regular honey, lots of fresh cilantro, basil, chives, shallots, garlic, and then salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
I’m currently obsessed with herbs since we have an abundance of them growing, especially basil and chives.
The dressing is very herby with a sweet-spicy kick from the honey and chili flakes. It’s truly DELICIOUS.
The salad
Combine the cooked quinoa with Tajin or chili powder. If you’re using chili powder in place of the Tajin, I recommend adding a dash of smoky paprika too.
Then, toss in everything else. The dressing, a mix of grilled and raw corn, fresh peaches, tomatoes, avocado, and crumbled feta cheese.
If you’re serving this later, add the avocado just before serving!
Looking for other salad recipes? Here are a few ideas:
Summer Chicken Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps
Lastly, if you make this Grilled Jalapeño Peach Quinoa Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Grilled Jalapeño Peach Quinoa Salad
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 751 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
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 clove garlic, grated
- kosher salt and black pepper
- chili flakes
Salad
- 3 cups cooked quinoa
- 1-2 tablespoons Tajin or chili powder
- 2 ears grilled or roasted corn, kernels cut off the cob
- 2 ears raw corn, kernels cut off the cob
- 1-2 peaches, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1-2 avocados, chopped
- 2 tablespoons candied or pickled jalapeños
- 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- 1. To make the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. 2. In a large salad bowl, toss together the quinoa with the Tajin. Add the grilled corn, raw corn, peaches, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, and feta cheese. 3. Pour over the dressing and toss well. Enjoy warm or chilled. I like to add wraps or crackers for scooping. DELICIOUS.
Candied Jalapeños
- 1. Bring 1/3 cup honey to a gentle boil. Simmer over low for 3-5 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, arrange 2-3 sliced jalapeños in a glass jar. Pour the honey over the jalapeños. Add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let cool. Keep stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Cannot handle cilantro… would you do parsley or more basil or just omit
Hey Leah,
Parsley would be great to use! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT
What can I use instead of Quinoa?
Hi! You could use orzo! xT
We love this recipe and make it often. I love the dressing, are there any suggestions for how else to use it? It’s just so good
Thanks for giving the recipe a try! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! You could use the dressing as a dip or sauce in different rice bowls, etc! xT
Oh I am so looking forward to trying this salad. I can’t consume honey unfortunately, do you think maple syrup would suffice as an ingredient substitute for the candied jalapeño?
Hey Cori,
Totally, that will work well for you! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope it turns out well for you! xT
This probably is the best salad I have EVER eaten. Mine looked nothing like your pictures haha, but gosh it tasted good! I was so amazed! Such a yummy pairing of ingredients!!
Hey Emily,
Happy Monday!🎃 I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was tasty for you, thanks a bunch for making it! xx
Another 5 star recipe from HBH! My family asked for this 2 nights in a row, and everyone in my mom’s office wanted to get the recipe. Tieghan, thank you for all of the love and care you put into your recipes — it really shows!
Hi Sara,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a bunch for giving it a go!? xT
I am trying to eat more quinoa, even though its not my favorite. I am so glad I found this recipe! I could eat this quinoa seven days a week. Love all the colorful and flavorful ingredients.
Hey Djienne,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a lot for making this salad and sharing your review, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Have a great week! xx
If I am planning on eating this over several days should I not put all the dressing on it at one time or will it be ok to add at once and store in refrigerator for a days?
Hey Tiffanie,
Yes, I would keep the dressing on the side for freshness! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
This was so delicious!! Thank you for this recipe. We loved it. So many great flavours. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes you post.
Hey Ade,
Happy Monday! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I am so excited to hear that it was a hit! xx
This was a big hit! I loved that I could make it ahead of time and serve at room temperature. Had it as our main course for a little backyard get together. Had shrimp & halloumi as optional add-ins. Even my mom, who said she usually doesn’t care for quinoa, loved it!
Hi Penny,
LOL so glad even your mom enjoyed this salad, thanks so much for making it! xxTieghan
Lots of steps but very easy to make large parts of it ahead of time! It is so delicious and healthy. I love this recipe!
Hey Jennifer,
Happy Monday! I love to hear that this salad was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xx
Oops forgot to hit the stars. Five stars all the way.
Thanks again Catherine:)
I’ve made this three times now and absolutely love it! The dressing is incredibly flavorful and fresh. The candied jalapeños are a revelation! I had leftover and served them with homemade fried rice and they were so so good. Thank you for such a great recipe.
Hey Catherine,
Amazing! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it! Have a great Monday! xTieghan
I love this salad! So fresh, all the summer flavors long with a dressing that perfectly complements the fruits and veggies. I tried chile powder and smoked paprika in the quinoa, so good!
Hey Kathleen,
Awesome! So glad to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it! Happy Tuesday! xx