Front Range Fed

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Nectarine And Quinoa Salad With Feta

    Modified: Mar 12, 2025 · Published: Jun 8, 2018 by Sarah Jenkins. This post may contain affiliate links. See the Privacy Policy at the bottom of this page.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Nectarine And Quinoa Salad works overtime, packing in delicious greens, juicy nectarines, and protein-packed quinoa to create a delicious main or side dish. If you're looking for a way to work more fruits and veggies into your diet, this is it!

    nectarine quinoa salad with feta in bowl.

    You know those recipes that seem so natural and effortlessly simple that you wonder how on earth it took you so long to pull the flavors together? This is just such a recipe. And one that happened completely on accident, out of necessity.

    A few weeks ago we had some family in town and decided to throw a last-minute BBQ for them. We also happened to be heading to the mountains that following weekend so I was trying to use up some of our produce, and that is how this salad was born. 

    nectarine quinoa salad with feta in bowl.

    I took stock of what we had (waayyy too many nectarines and a lot of basil and feta), added in a few pantry staples (sliced almonds, quinoa) threw together a quick citrus dressing and that’s it – it was done!

    I threw it all atop a mess of spring mix (arugula could also work well here) and it was the perfect summery salad that I never knew I needed.

    citrus dressing being poured into jar.

    So, What Goes Into This Nectarine Quinoa Salad?

    Light, but filling, and stocked with all the flavors of summer (is it summer already?) - basil, nectarines, and lemon. The quinoa, almonds, and cheese add a bit of weight to the salad to easily make it a light main dish if you wish, or a substantial side.

    • Nectarines. These are the stars of the show. Find ones that are ripe and juicy, but not too soft.
    • Spring Mix. You can try some variations with the greens here - arugula would also work well.
    • Basil. If you've never put fresh herbs in your salad, you're missing out. The basil here gives this salad a whole other dimension flavorwise.
    • Cooked Quinoa. These grains provide texture and weight to the salad. To add a bit more depth of flavor, try toasting the quinoa before cooking. It brings out the oils and the natural nutty flavor of the grain.
    • Sliced Almonds. For some extra CRUNCH!
    • Feta Cheese. The sharpness of the feta pairs beautifully with the sweet peaches and herby basil.
    • Citrus Vinegarette. The perfect light dressing to accompany this salad and let the main ingredients shine.

    How To Make It

    Making this salad couldn't be easier. Start by chopping your fruit. Then just combine the nectarines, greens, basil, quinoa, and almonds. Make a simple vinagarete out of lemon, honey and olive oil, then drizzle it over the salad and toss. Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve! A beautiful and delicious meal in under 10 minutes!

    It’s a great vegetarian dish (or vegan, if you cut the cheese). Or, if you’d like to make it a main, add some grilled chicken and you’ve got yourself a meal.

    nectarine quinoa salad with feta in bowl.

    We ate this on our back porch, the sun setting, Rosé sparkling, lights twinkling, tunes blazing, surrounded by loving family, and I just felt one thing:  ahhhhh…..summer has finally arrived. 

    You’ll thank yourself when you make this salad. And then you’ll wonder how it was that you never thought of it earlier.

    If you try this Nectarine And Quinoa Salad, I'd love to hear how you liked it in the comments below. Or, share a pic with me on Instagram and tag #frontrangefed!

    More Summery Salad Recipes

    • Cucumber Salad With Basil, Feta, Chickpeas And Cranberries
    • Chopped Zucchini Salad With Parmesan And Herbs
    • Chickpea Salad With Carrots And Dates
    • Peach Caprese Salad With Roasted Pistachios
    • Spinach, Strawberry, Goat Cheese And Candied Walnut Salad
    • Chickpea And Veggie Salad With Dill Dressing

    Recipe

    quinoa nectarine salad in bowl.

    Nectarine And Quinoa Salad With Basil And Feta

    Author: Sarah Jenkins
    This nectarine and quinoa salad works overtime, packing in delicious greens, juicy nectarines, and protein-packed quinoa to create a delicious main or side dish. If you're looking for a way to work more fruits and veggies into your diet, this is it!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 people
    Calories

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 large handfuls of greens (I used a spring mix, but arugula would work well here too.)
    • ½ cup torn basil
    • 1 cup quinoa
    • 3 nectarines, thinly sliced
    • ¼ cup sliced almonds
    • ¼ cup feta cheese
    • 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • juice from one lemon
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Toss the greens and basil together in a large bowl.
    • Add the quinoa, sliced nectarines, almonds, and feta cheese
    • In a separate bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, and honey. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
    Keyword feta, nectarines, pine nuts, quinoa
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

     

    More Salads

    • closeup view of pomegranate couscous salad with pistachio, lemon and mint.
      Festive Pomegranate and Couscous Salad
    • coleslaw for pulled pork in bowl.
      Best Homemade Crunchy Coleslaw for Pulled Pork
    • 4-ingredient pesto pasta salad in serving bowl on countertop with basil sprinkled on top.
      Simple, 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad Recipe
    • mediterranean cucumber salad in serving bowl on countertop.
      Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad With Tomato

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Did you try this recipe? I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Sarah Jenkins

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I love creating dishes based on what's in season and using local ingredients as often as I can. I hope you'll find some new to you recipes here that will inspire you to make something delicious!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • closeup of lazy lasagna with frozen cheese ravioli, pieces cut.
      Lazy Baked Frozen Ravioli Lasagna (With Cheese Ravioli)
    • closeup of buffalo wild wings garlic parmesan chicken pasta in serving bowl.
      Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (BWW Recipe!)
    • dump and bake meatball casserole in casserole dish on countertop.
      Quick And Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
    • stack of air fryer biscuits on cutting board with bowl of jelly on the side.
      Easy Perfect And Fluffy Canned Air Fryer Biscuits 
    • cornbread cowboy casserole in dutch oven on countertop with section of casserole spooned out.
      Easy Cornbread Cowboy Casserole With Beef And Beans
    • glazed meatloaf on platter.
      EASY Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
    • small batch chocolate chip cookies piled onto cutting board.
      Best Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
    • sheet pan pancakes with mix in pan with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
      Sheet Pan Pancakes From Mix

    Latest Recipes

    • instant pot pork carnitas on platter.
      Easy Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe - Crispy And Juicy!
    • two wine glasses with hugo spritz, garnished with mint and lemon wheel with St-Germain bottle in the background.
      How To Make A Hugo Spritz - The Ultimate Summer Cocktail
    • bowl of turkey tetrazzini on countertop.
      Easy Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe (Lighter Version!)
    • tray of fried potato tacos with cilantro and red cabbage on the side.
      Spicy & Crispy Potato Tacos Recipe (Easy Taco Dinner!)
    Subscribe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

    Contact

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Follow

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Copyright © 2025 Front Range Fed

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.