Peach Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad blends the sweetness of fresh peaches with savory, creamy, and crunchy elements. The juicy fruit pairs beautifully with a zesty vinaigrette, making every bite exciting. It’s quick to prepare, looks stunning on the table, and works equally well as a side dish or a light main course.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

• ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

• ½ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• A pinch sea salt

• A dash freshly cracked black pepper

directions

1. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.

2. In a large salad bowl, add the greens, peaches, cheese, nuts, and onion.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.

4. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a quick lunch, side dish, or picnic salad.

Variations

• I sometimes grill the peaches for a smoky, caramelized flavor.

• I swap feta for blue cheese when I want a stronger tang.

• Almonds or pistachios work well if I don’t have pecans or walnuts.

• I add sliced cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.

• For more protein, I top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Once dressed, it’s best eaten right away to preserve the texture of the greens. The dressing can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until serving.

What type of peaches work best?

I prefer ripe but firm peaches so they hold their shape in the salad.

Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?

Absolutely, I swap them in for a slightly firmer texture and similar flavor.

How do I toast the nuts?

I toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, I simply leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This peach salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy summer produce. It’s fresh, colorful, and incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes like something special. I love how the sweetness of the peaches pairs with the tangy dressing and crunchy nuts—it’s a flavor combination I keep coming back to all season long.