This fresh and light California Avocado salad features delicious summer flavors, including grilled avocado and grilled peach on an arugula and crispy quinoa base. It is paired with a pistachio-arugula vinaigrette.
Grilled California Avocado and Peach Salad
Total Time: 1 h 5 min
Cook Time:
Prep Time: |
Cook Time:
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Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information
per serving
Vitamin A 69 mcg; Vitamin C 21 mg; Calcium 100 mg; Iron 3 mg; Vitamin D 0 mcg; Folate 139 mcg; Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.22 g.
% Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 25%; Calcium 8%; Iron 15%; Vitamin D 0%.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Grilled California Avocado & Peach Salad 1 cup black quinoa 2 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, halved, seeded and peeled 2 medium firm peaches, seeded and halved 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, for frying 1 tsp. kosher salt, separated 1 (5-oz.) package wild arugula, 1/2 cup reserved for vinaigrette 1/4 cup no-shell chopped pistachios (optional) Pistachio-Arugula Vinaigrette 1/2 cup wild arugula 1/2 cup baby spinach 5 no-shell pistachio nuts 1 1/2 tsp. creamy Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp. honey (local if available) 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (may substitute extra virgin olive oil) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 clove garlic 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1/8 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste 1/8 tsp. pepper, or to tasteInstructions
- Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Drain well using a fine strainer and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Let stand, tossing occasionally until dried, about 30 minutes.
- While quinoa dries, place all the Pistachio-Arugula Vinaigrette ingredients in a blender. Blend on medium speed until combined. Set aside.
- Once the quinoa is thoroughly dry, heat oil for frying in a large skillet on high until waves begin to form in oil. Carefully add the quinoa, reduce heat to medium and fry until puffed, approximately 30 seconds. Drain the quinoa in a fine strainer to remove excess oil and transfer to paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
- On a tray or baking sheet, place avocados and peaches cut side up, drizzle with olive oil and lightly season the avocados with salt.
- Heat grill to medium high, add avocados and peaches cut side down, reduce heat to low and grill until tender and slightly charred (peaches 5 minutes; avocados 2 minutes).
- To assemble salad, toss arugula with a small amount of the vinaigrette and place on the platter. Next, sprinkle quinoa on the platter.
- Cut avocado and peaches into wedges and place onto the platter.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired.
Variations: For nut allergies, omit pistachios and replace with pumpkin seeds if desired.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy this salad on its own or top with grilled chicken, shrimp or fish. Can garnish with arugula flowers or other edible flowers.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy this dish with a chilled glass of iced tea or peach lemonade.
*Large avocados are recommended for this recipe. A large avocado averages about 8 ounces. If using smaller or larger size avocados adjust the quantity accordingly.
Did You Know?
It’s a good idea to brush a little oil on the cut side of a California Avocado before grilling. They are also delicious in a host of other entrée recipes, from stove top to oven-baked to multi-cooker preparation.
As with all fruits and vegetables, wash avocados before cutting. Check out our tips for how to choose and use California Avocados