There are few joys as pure and easy as tossing together a Peach Salad on a sunny afternoon. This recipe bursts with juicy summer peaches, crisp greens, and crunchy candied nuts, all brought together with a honeyed balsamic dressing. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side dish or a light lunch, this is the kind of salad that’s both effortless and show-stopping. You’ll love its freshness, beautiful colors, and just how quickly it disappears!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to making your Peach Salad truly memorable. Each component brings something unique, whether it’s juicy sweetness, salty creaminess, or a little hint of tang. Here’s what you’ll need to create this colorful bowl of goodness:

Ripe peaches: Look for peaches that are fragrant and yield slightly to the touch; their sweetness is the heart of this salad.
Mixed greens: Choose a blend like spinach, arugula, or baby kale for a varied texture and a peppery bite.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): If you include it, feta adds a lovely salty contrast and creamy texture.
Candied pecans or walnuts: These bring crunch and a subtle caramel flavor, making every bite a treat.
Olive oil: Use a fruity, good-quality olive oil for a rich, smooth dressing base.
Balsamic vinegar: Its deep, tangy sweetness pairs perfectly with peaches.
Honey: A drizzle heightens the peaches’ natural sugar and balances the vinegar.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

How to Make Peach Salad

Step 1: Combine Peaches and Greens

Start by thinly slicing your ripe peaches and adding them to a large salad bowl with the mixed greens. Mixing them gently ensures the peaches stay intact, and every forkful promises a perfect ratio of fruity and leafy freshness.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing should look slightly thick and glossy; taste it to make sure it’s balanced to your liking—add a touch more honey if your peaches are on the tart side.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the peaches and greens. Use clean hands or salad tongs to toss everything very gently, so the peaches don’t break up. You want each leafy morsel lightly coated with that luscious dressing.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Nuts

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of your tossed salad, followed by the candied pecans or walnuts. These final toppings turn each bite into a little festival of flavor—creamy, tangy, and sweet all in one.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your Peach Salad immediately for the best taste and texture. The greens stay perky, the cheese stays creamy, and the peaches glow with freshness. Dig in and savor summer in every vibrant forkful!

How to Serve Peach Salad

Garnishes

If you’re feeling extra, add a final flourish with a few torn basil leaves, a splash more balsamic reduction, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Such little touches amplify the freshness, giving your Peach Salad a polished, restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad plays well with almost anything. Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a hefty loaf of crusty sourdough for a more substantial meal. It’s also a natural at any picnic or backyard gathering, holding its own among summer fare.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, layer the salad in individual glass jars, serve atop a platter for family-style eating, or fan out the peach slices on a bed of greens for a showy appetizer. Peach Salad truly shines when displayed beautifully—the colors alone are enough to spark joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Peach Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the greens can wilt, it’s ideal to keep any reserved dressing and toppings separate if possible. Aim to enjoy leftovers within a day for peak flavor and texture.

Freezing

While it might be tempting, freezing Peach Salad isn’t recommended. The juicy peaches and delicate greens lose their crispness and become watery when thawed. Instead, enjoy the salad fresh for the best experience, and only prep what you’ll savor today.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If you do want to revive it, simply toss with a little extra fresh dressing and brighten up with a sprinkle of fresh cheese and nuts before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Peach Salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients a few hours before serving—slice the peaches, mix the greens, and whisk the dressing—but keep everything separate until just before serving. Tossing it together at the last minute ensures the salad stays crisp and beautiful.

What other cheeses work well besides feta?

If you prefer something milder, try goat cheese for creaminess or shavings of Parmesan for a nutty flavor. Vegan feta or creamy plant-based cheese are excellent for a dairy-free twist.

How do I make this Peach Salad vegan?

Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with your favorite vegan alternative. You can also use agave in place of honey to keep the vinaigrette plant-based—easy swaps, no compromise on flavor.

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Fresh peaches provide the best texture and taste, but in a pinch, you can use good-quality canned or thawed frozen peaches. Be sure to drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess juice that could wilt your greens.

What other nuts can I use?

Candied almonds, cashews, or even toasted sunflower seeds offer fantastic crunch. Pick your favorites, and feel free to experiment—this Peach Salad is wonderfully forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a dish that’s as cheerful as it is delicious, Peach Salad ticks every box. It’s a celebration of ripe peaches, crisp greens, and bold flavors, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself. Give it a try and discover just how happy a bowl of fresh peaches and greens can make you!

Peach Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Peach Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, juicy peaches, mixed greens, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Topped with feta cheese and candied nuts, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Salad:

4 ripe peaches, sliced
2 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or baby kale)

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Combine Peaches and Greens: In a large bowl, mix the sliced peaches and mixed greens.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the peaches and greens, tossing gently to coat.
Add Toppings: Top with feta cheese, candied nuts, for extra flavor and crunch.
Serve: Enjoy your fresh Peach Salad immediately!