I’ll be honest—peach salad never used to sound appealing to me. The idea of mixing sweet fruit with savory greens felt a little strange, maybe even wrong. I was used to peaches in desserts or smoothies, not tossed next to arugula or layered with cheese. But everything changed one warm evening last summer when a friend brought over a grilled peach salad for a backyard dinner. It looked beautiful—vibrant, colorful, like something from a cookbook. One bite in, and I was completely hooked. The sweetness of the peaches, the creaminess of burrata, the peppery kick of arugula—it just worked. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to try every simple peach salad twist I can find, from fresh versions with mint and feta to rich, hearty takes with balsamic glaze and toasted pecans. What started as hesitation turned into obsession. If you’ve never tried peach salad, or if you’re still unsure about mixing sweet and savory, trust me—this is the one that will surprise you.
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Simple Ingredients for Peach Salad Recipe
You don’t need much to make a delicious peach salad. Here’s a basic list of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients. You can mix and match based on your taste.
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (grilled or fresh)
- 4 cups arugula (or mixed greens)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for color)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or walnuts
Simple Peach Salad Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
That’s it! Just fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples to make a flavorful, healthy peach salad in minutes.
How to Make Peach Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this peach salad is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep the Peaches
If you’re using fresh peaches, just slice them thinly.
If you want a smoky flavor, grill the peaches for 2–3 minutes on each side until they get nice grill marks.
🧂 Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- A pinch of salt and black pepper
Taste and adjust the flavor if needed.
Step 3: Build the Salad
In a large bowl or plate:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently or leave layered if serving for guests.
Enjoy immediately while everything is fresh and crisp.
Expert Tips and Recipe Variations
Want to make your peach salad even better? Here are some easy tips and tasty variations that take it to the next level:
Pro Tips
- Use ripe but firm peaches: They should be sweet but not too soft, so they hold their shape in the salad.
- Grill for extra flavor: Lightly grilling the peaches brings out their natural sugars and adds a warm, smoky touch.
- Dress just before serving: To keep the greens crisp, add the dressing right before eating.
- Chill your salad plate: Especially in summer, serving on a cold plate makes everything feel extra fresh.
Variations to Try
- Peach Salad with Burrata: Swap feta or goat cheese for creamy burrata for a rich, luxurious version.
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, prosciutto, or chickpeas to turn it into a full meal.
- Ottolenghi-inspired: Add fresh herbs like mint or basil, a sprinkle of sumac, or a touch of yogurt dressing.
- Jamie Oliver-style: Keep it rustic—tear the greens by hand, add a squeeze of lemon, and let the ingredients shine.
The beauty of this dish is how flexible it is. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and zesty or rich and savory, there’s a peach salad variation for every taste.
Serving Ideas for Peach Salad
Peach salad is versatile and can shine on its own or as part of a bigger meal. Here are some tasty serving ideas:
- Serve it as a light lunch with crusty bread on the side.
- Pair it with grilled meats or seafood to balance savory flavors.
- Make it a starter at your next summer BBQ or picnic.
- Add a scoop of quinoa or farro to turn it into a hearty grain bowl.
- Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a flavor kick.
This salad’s fresh and vibrant flavors make it a perfect companion for many dishes.
Peach Salad Recipe Summary and Tips
Wondering how to serve peach salad? It pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken or shrimp, and also works great as a side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. You can serve it on a large platter for sharing, or plate it individually for a light lunch. For extra flavor, drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze on top just before serving.
Fresh Peach Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 3 ripe peaches sliced thin
- 4 cups arugula or any salad greens
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ avocado sliced (optional)
- ½ cup burrata or goat cheese
- ¼ cup toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Instructions
- (Use “Bulk Add Instructions” or add them one-by-one)
- Slice the peaches and grill them if desired (2–3 minutes per side).
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
- In a large salad bowl, combine greens, peaches, tomatoes, onion, avocado, and cheese.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Top with toasted nuts and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a sweeter twist, add fresh blueberries or pomegranate seeds.
- Swap burrata for feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Salad
How do you keep peach salad from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, add the dressing right before serving. Also, choose firm peaches and keep your greens chilled until ready to eat.
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Fresh peaches are best for texture and flavor, but if using canned, drain them well and pat dry to reduce excess moisture.
What cheese goes best with peach salad?
Burrata, goat cheese, and feta are popular choices. They add creaminess and a tangy contrast to the sweet peaches.
Can I make peach salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare ingredients separately and toss them just before serving to keep everything fresh