Looking for a way to celebrate the very best of summer in one crunchy, juicy bite? This Peach Salad is the answer—bursting with sweet, sun-ripened peaches, crisp greens, tangy feta, and buttery candied pecans, all tossed in a tangy honey-balsamic dressing. Whether served on your patio or at the dinner table, this vibrant Peach Salad captures sunshine in every forkful and makes a simple, beautiful centerpiece for casual get-togethers or just a quick weekday lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of humble, high-quality ingredients can totally transform your Peach Salad into something memorable. Freshness is key, so each element is chosen for the way it elevates flavor, texture, or color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced: Summer’s sweetest stars; their juicy flesh is essential for that classic Peach Salad flavor.
- 2 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or baby kale): The crisp, peppery base that balances all the sweetness and provides satisfying volume.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): Adds tang and creaminess, plus a pop of salt to offset the peaches; try a plant-based alternative for a vegan version.
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts: Brings irresistible crunch and a subtle, nutty sweetness for extra flavor contrast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Acts as the silky backbone of the dressing, binding everything together.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with a tangy zing that really wakes up the Peach Salad.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Rounds out the dressing with natural sweetness, helping everything meld together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The finishers—just enough to coax out all the other flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Peach Salad
Step 1: Prep the Peaches and Greens
Start by slicing your ripe peaches into wedges or bite-sized chunks, depending on your preference. Gently wash and dry your mixed greens to keep everything crisp and ready for tossing. In a big, roomy salad bowl, combine the peaches and greens as the vivid base of your Peach Salad—don’t be shy, let those flavors mingle while you prepare the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
Meanwhile, grab a small bowl and whisk together that olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing looks glossy and smooth. This simple mixture is what turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary Peach Salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes you’ll want a touch more honey or an extra grind of pepper.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Drizzle the freshly whisked dressing over your bowl of peaches and greens. With a gentle hand (and maybe your prettiest salad tongs), toss the salad just until everything is coated but not bruised. The goal: every leaf gets a little shine, and the peaches stay intact and juicy.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Crunch
Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta (if using) for salty creaminess and dot it with those gorgeous candied nuts for a sweet, toasty crunch. If you like extra texture, toss in a handful of pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Each bite is a delightful contrast of flavors and textures—exactly what makes Peach Salad so irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while everything is fresh, juicy, and vibrant. This is the moment when Peach Salad is at its very best: cool greens, dripping peaches, the honey-balsamic glistening everywhere, and the crunch of nuts in every forkful.
How to Serve Peach Salad
Garnishes
Finish your Peach Salad with a flourish. Try extra feta crumbles, a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like mint or basil, or an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you love adventurous flavors, a light scattering of cracked pink peppercorns or edible flowers can elevate the presentation (and guests’ curiosity).
Side Dishes
This salad plays beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a light lunch, pair Peach Salad with crusty sourdough or a seeded baguette. Looking for a simple dinner? Grill some seasoned chicken or serve it alongside a chilled soup. It’s also a refreshing side beside grilled fish, veggie burgers, or summer pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving Peach Salad in individual jars for picnic lunches, on large platters as an edible centerpiece, or layered in tall glasses for a fancy starter. For parties, mini versions in lettuce cups or on skewers are always a hit—you’ll be amazed how quickly they disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Peach Salad left, pop it into an airtight container as soon as possible. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To preserve maximum crunch, try to keep the nuts and cheese separate, adding them just before serving leftovers to revive that fresh texture.
Freezing
Sadly, Peach Salad really doesn’t love the freezer. The peaches and greens will lose their texture and flavor when frozen, becoming watery and limp upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so make just what you need—this is a treat that rewards immediacy!
Reheating
This is very much a no-heat dish. If your Peach Salad is a bit cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving—that way, the flavors open up and the dressing softens again. No need for the microwave!
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Fresh peaches truly shine in Peach Salad, offering juicy texture and vibrant flavor. While you can use canned or thawed frozen peaches in a pinch, be sure to drain them well and pat dry to avoid a soggy salad.
What are the best greens to use?
Mixed baby greens, baby spinach, arugula, or baby kale all work beautifully—look for greens that are tender but sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy peaches and dressing. Feel free to use a blend for the best color and flavor contrast.
Is there a vegan option for feta cheese?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based feta (many are made from nuts or tofu) or skip the cheese entirely. You’ll still get plenty of richness from the nuts and dressing in your Peach Salad.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can slice the peaches and mix the dressing a few hours ahead—just toss everything together right before serving. Waiting to assemble preserves the freshness of the greens and stops the peaches from getting mushy.
How can I add protein to the salad?
For a heartier version, serve Peach Salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon on top. Chickpeas, white beans, or quinoa also make excellent protein-packed vegetarian additions without overwhelming the star peach flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something pure magic about the way Peach Salad brings together juicy fruit, cool greens, and just a little crunch and tang. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time! Share it with friends or savor it solo—the flavors of summer are calling, and this Peach Salad is ready for your table.