A peach salad perfect for holding onto summer! Add some quinoa, zucchini and blueberries for a refreshing combo. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, summertime is my favorite! The blue skies, warmth, road trips, beach and lake days… they are my favorite!
Also a favorite?
Summer produce!
There is so much amazing fresh fruit that comes our way during the summer…
And August means PEACH SEASON!
The Best Summer Salad
I hope you’re not one of those people who dislike adding fruit to their salads. It’s such a nice addition to the leafy greens.
My big thing for people who say they don’t like salads is to really load it up with other things you *do* like. Salads aren’t meant to be boring – don’t be afraid to pile your favorite toppings on – fruit, different veggies, some nuts for crunch, a grain for a nice hearty base.
Salads are a great way to get in a variety of plants and lots of nutrition.
What You Need for a Healthy Peach Salad
Now with pretty much any salad, they’re fairly customizable. If you see anything in here you don’t love, omit or replace it with something you do like.
- peaches
- blueberries
- zucchini
- arugula
- quinoa
- red onion
- halloumi if you’re feeling fancy af (and also not vegan)
Homemade Honey Vinaigrette dressing
Another way to ensure you’ll enjoy your salad is with a good dressing. I went for a simple honey vinaigrette here.
All you need is:
- honey
- apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- extra virgin olive oil
- onion powder
- salt & pepper
Nothing *too* fancy about this salad unless you feel like making zucchini ribbons to trick your taste buds. I swear pretty food does taste better…
You can prep the quinoa ahead of time (I like the Instant Pot for this) and shake up the dressing in a jar.
SO SIMPLE.
I like to toss together the quinoa and arugula together first in about 2 tablespoons of dressing before adding on the rest of the toppings and drizzling on some more dressing.
OH, and if you’re feeling super cool (and *ahem*, not vegan) try frying up some halloumi for this salad. It’s DELISH.
Not familiar with halloumi? It’s a semi-hard cheese made from a mix of goat and sheep’s milk. It’s kind of like feta, but not as strong. I found mine at Whole Foods. And yes, the price tag may raise the eyebrows a touch. But just trust me – it’s worth the splurge.
Let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a comment and rating below! It helps others learn more about the recipe too! Xx, Ashley
PrintSummer Peach Salad with Quinoa & Arugula
This Summer Peach Salad with Quinoa and Arugula is perfect for lunch or even a dinner side. Fresh peaches and blueberries combined with zucchini ribbons, quinoa and a honey vinaigrette. Gluten-free recipe, vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: entree
- Method: Salad
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
honey vinaigrette dressing
- 2 TBSP raw honey
- 1 1/2 TBS apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt & pepper, to taste
for the salad
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 small peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into ribbons
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 3 oz halloumi, cut into 1/4″ slices (optional)
- 1/2 TBSP butter (for frying halloumi)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Add dressing ingredients into bottle/jar and secure with lid, shake vigorously until mixed. Or use bowl and whisk.
- Assemble the salad: Gently toss quinoa with arugula; drizzle on about 2-3 tablespoons of dressing, or as much as desired, and toss again. Add peach slices, blueberries, and zucchini ribbons. Sprinkle on diced red onions. Set aside.
- Fry halloumi: in small frying pan over medium heat, add butter or oil to heated pan. Add slices of halloumi and fry one side until golden, about 2-3 minutes, before flipping to other side and frying again for another 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and gently place halloumi on salad.
- Serve with more dressing and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4th
- Calories: 533
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 74
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 4
Keywords: summer salads, ways to use peaches, BBQ salads
Brittany Audra @ Audra's Appetite says
Ahh I’ve been meaning to try halloumi cheese soon sometime!! Seriously love everything about this salad…filling, delicious, and so fresh! YUM 🙂
Cassie says
Peaches are the BEST. I wouldn’t stop at one, that’s for sure! I eat a large salad every single day and make sure to pack in the greens and vegetables like mad. There’s no better way to incorporate more nutrients and healthy foods that way!
Brenna says
Currently eating this for lunch now – YUM! 🙂
I passed on the halloumi but added feta and grilled chicken. Placed on top of mixed greens instead of arugula (my husband isn’t an arugula fan).
It’s so, so good! Thanks!
★★★★★
Ashley says
Awesome, Brenna! So glad you liked 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback and a review!