Peach + Heirloom Tomato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing
There’s a stretch of late summer here when the farm stands are stacked with peaches in one bin and heirloom tomatoes in the next, and you realize you don’t need much else. This salad came out of exactly that moment — a no-stove lunch that still feels like something you’d want to sit outside for.
The only thing that touches heat is the quinoa, and even that you make ahead. Everything else is just slicing, layering, and a quick whisk for the dressing. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well poolside at lunch as it does as a light dinner on the porch.
Ingredients
For the salad:
• 3 ripe peaches, sliced
• 2–3 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa, cooled (make ahead)
• ⅓ cup feta, crumbled (dairy or dairy-free)
• a handful each of fresh basil and mint
• flaky salt and cracked pepper
• toasted nuts, for crunch
• protein of choice — grilled chicken, chickpeas, shrimp, or tofu (optional)
For the lemon dijon dressing:
• 3 tbsp Brightland olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Spread the cooled quinoa across a platter as your base.
2. Layer the sliced peaches and tomatoes on top.
3. Add your protein, if using.
4. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dijon, and honey until emulsified.
5. Scatter the feta, basil, and mint over the salad.
6. Drizzle generously with the dressing.
7. Finish with flaky salt, cracked pepper, and toasted nuts.
Serve right away, while the peaches are still cool and the quinoa’s had a chance to soak up a little of that dressing.
A Note on Mint
Don’t skip it here. It’s a small addition, but it brings a freshness that plays off the sweetness of the peaches and the acidity of the tomatoes in a way basil alone doesn’t quite get to.
This is one of those recipes that barely feels like cooking, which is exactly what I want from a summer lunch. Make the quinoa on a Sunday, and you’ve got lunch sorted for half the week — just slice, layer, and drizzle. If you make it, I’d love to see it. Tag me or send a photo my way.
