If you’re looking for a dish to keep tucked in your back pocket for your next backyard BBQ, this Grilled Corn, Nectarine & Quinoa Salad is it. It is incredibly fresh, perfectly filling, and absolutely delicious. To be honest, I was completely surprised by how such simple, healthy ingredients could come together to create a flavor profile that feels so unique, yet still so nourishing. Trust me, one bite of this crisp, vibrant goodness and you’ll be hooked all season long!
Ingredients for Grilled Corn, Nectarine & Quinoa Salad:
Quinoa– Our hearty, nutrient-dense base! Quinoa is a rare plant-based “complete protein,” meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids to help your muscles rebuild after a tough workout. Plus, it’s packed with fiber to keep your gut feeling happy.
Grilled Corn on the Cob– This brings that signature smoky, caramelized sweetness that screams summer. Grilling the corn makes all the difference to the flavor of this salad, so I highly recommend you don’t skip this step. If you don’t want to pull out the grill, you can easily char your corn in a pan on the stove.
Nectarines- The ultimate wowy ingredient, that adds a juicy, vibrant pop of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ingredients. Nectarines are also a great way to get in some Vitamin C to keep your skin glowing and your immune system strong.
Red Onion– A little goes a long way! Red onion adds a crisp, sharp crunch to balance out the sweetness of the corn and nectarines. They are loaded with quercetin, a powerful antioxidant known for fighting inflammation.
Cucumber– Made of about 95% water, cucumber keeps this salad feeling incredibly crisp, cool, and refreshing, while delivering a nice dose of Vitamin K.
Cilantro & Mint Leaves– Never skip the fresh herbs! Cilantro helps the body naturally detoxify, while mint adds a bright, cooling burst of flavor that aids in digestion. Together, they make the whole dish taste like it was just picked from the garden. So good!
Lemon Juice– Forget heavy, store-bought dressings. Fresh lemon juice brings a clean, brightness that wakes up all the other flavors while aiding your body’s natural digestion. It really is a great natural addition to the salad that makes it taste even more fresh for summer.
Garlic– Minced fresh garlic adds a sharp, savory bite and is famous for its immune-boosting and heart-healthy properties. I was nervous about garlic mixing with the nectarines, but honestly was pleasantly surprised by how the tastes complimented each other to make this unique and delicious salad.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil– The gold standard of healthy fats. It helps your body absorb all the fat-soluble vitamins in the veggies, while providing powerful monounsaturated fatty acids that love on your heart and joints.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Quinoa (uncooked)
- 1 cup Water
- 2 ears Corn On The Cob (grilled or steamed and kernels removed)
- 2 Nectarine (pitted and cubed)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (finely sliced)
- 1/2 Cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Mint Leaves (chopped)
- 1/2 Lemon (juiced)
- 2 Garlic (cloves, minced)
- 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Place quinoa in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Turn down to simmer and cover. Let simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat, stir with fork and set aside to cool.
- Combine grilled corn, nectarine, red onion, cucumber, cilantro and mint in a large bowl. Add quinoa once cooled.
- Prepare dressing by combining lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, sea salt and pepper.
- Drizzle salad with desired amount of dressing and serve. Enjoy!
Notes:
- No Nectarines- Used sliced peaches or plums instead.
- Short on Time- Replace one ear of corn with about one cup of frozen or canned corn.
Health Insights:
- Dietary Fiber- This recipe is a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system. The quinoa, corn, and cucumber all contribute to the fiber content, helping to promote regular bowel movements and improve overall digestive health.
- Vitamins and Minerals- The ingredients in this recipe provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. The nectarines and lemon are rich in vitamin C, while the quinoa and corn provide essential B-vitamins. Additionally, the extra virgin olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
- Antioxidant Properties- The cilantro, mint leaves, and garlic in this recipe have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to protect the body’s cells from damage by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
