There’s something undeniably magical about biting into the first peaches and blueberries of the season, and when you toss them together in a Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad, summer truly comes alive on your plate! This salad brings together juicy peaches, sweet-tart blueberries, salty cheese, and crunchy nuts over a bed of fresh greens, all kissed with a minty honey-balsamic dressing. It’s a vibrant, show-stopping dish that celebrates everything we love about the sunny months: fresh flavors, easy prep, and sharing incredible food with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is as simple as summer should be, yet every ingredient earns its place with a burst of taste, a pop of color, or the perfect bit of crunch. Gather these kitchen essentials and let each one shine!
- Peaches: Choose 4 ripe, fragrant peaches for the juiciest, most flavorful salad slices.
- Blueberries: 1 cup of fresh blueberries adds color and a tangy-sweet dimension that makes every bite sparkle.
- Mixed greens or baby spinach: Pick 4 cups of your favorite greens; they offer a crisp, refreshing backdrop for all the toppings.
- Goat cheese or feta: About 1/3 cup crumbled gives the salad a creamy, tangy finish; goat cheese is extra velvety while feta adds a briny punch.
- Sliced almonds or chopped pecans (toasted): 1/4 cup of these toasted nuts bring rich, toasty crunch and a hint of earthiness.
- Fresh mint leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped, make everything feel cooler and more fragrant for that true summer touch.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons help create a silky, luscious dressing that ties everything together.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon balances the tart and tangy notes in the dressing with mellow sweetness.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon brightens up the flavors and keeps the fruit vibrant.
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tablespoon adds fruity depth and a little tang to the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch of each for the finishing, seasoning touch.
How to Make Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad
Step 1: Prepare your produce
Wash the peaches and blueberries thoroughly. Pat the peaches dry, then slice them into even wedges, removing the pits, and set them aside along with your sparkling clean blueberries. This ensures your salad stays crisp and your fruits burst with fresh flavor.
Step 2: Toast the nuts
If you’re using raw almonds or pecans, quickly toast them in a dry skillet set over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and fragrant. Toasted nuts bring a warm, nutty crunch that takes the Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad to the next level!
Step 3: Assemble the salad
In a large salad bowl, gently layer the mixed greens or baby spinach as your base. Scatter the sliced peaches and blueberries evenly over the greens, then sprinkle on the crumbled goat cheese or feta, toasted nuts, and chopped fresh mint. The goal is to get a little bit of each ingredient in every forkful.
Step 4: Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch each of salt and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and glossy. Taste it and adjust the honey or lemon to suit your preferred balance of sweet and tangy.
Step 5: Dress and toss
Drizzle the dressing over your salad just before serving, and toss everything gently to coat. Doing this last keeps your greens perky and makes every bite shine with flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest results!
How to Serve Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish of extra mint leaves, a bit more crumbled cheese, or a scattering of fresh blueberries on top can make your Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad look straight out of a café. A sprinkle of lemon zest is also lovely if you have a zester handy!
Side Dishes
This salad plays well with everything from grilled chicken or salmon to simple flatbreads or crusty sourdough. The subtle sweetness and herby freshness make it a fabulous partner to backyard barbecues or a brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad on a large platter for a family-style centerpiece, or serve in individual chilled salad bowls for a refreshing touch at picnics and garden parties. For a dazzling appetizer, heap the salad onto crostini or spoon into endive leaves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the salad tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to one day. The greens and fruit will begin to soften, but the flavors deepen and it’s still irresistible the next day, just a bit more marinated.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad, as the delicate greens and fresh fruit lose their texture when thawed. For best taste and crunch, always enjoy this salad fresh or newly prepared.
Reheating
No reheating needed! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, which keeps the textures lively and the flavors crisp and bright.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches or blueberries?
Frozen fruit will release extra moisture and might make your greens soggy, but in a pinch, you can use partially thawed blueberries or peach slices. Pat them dry well and serve the salad immediately.
What can I substitute for goat cheese or feta?
Try creamy ricotta, tangy blue cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a fresh twist. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use your favorite vegan cheese alternative.
How do I add extra protein?
For a heartier Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad, add sliced grilled chicken, cooked quinoa, or canned chickpeas. These options blend effortlessly with the flavors and keep the salad light yet satisfying.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prep all ingredients and whisk up the dressing hours ahead. Store them separately and assemble + dress just before serving to keep everything deliciously fresh.
How do I keep the peaches from getting mushy?
Choose just-ripe peaches, pat slices dry before adding to the salad, and toss them in at the last minute. This keeps the peaches juicy and prevents the salad from getting watered down.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that sparkles with summer flavor and effortless elegance, you’ll fall in love with this Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—sunshine in every bite—so gather your prettiest bowl and savor the taste of the season!
Print
Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad is a delightful blend of sweet peaches, juicy blueberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds tossed with a refreshing mint dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorsome summer meal!
Ingredients
Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches (sliced)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (toasted)
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the sliced peaches, blueberries, greens, goat cheese, almonds, and mint.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat. Serve immediately.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Notes
- For extra protein, top with grilled chicken or quinoa.
- If peaches are very juicy, pat them dry slightly to avoid watering down the salad.
- Best enjoyed fresh.
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