🍑🥗 Fresh Peach Salad
✨ Description:
A vibrant medley of sweet peaches, crisp greens, tangy cheese, crunchy nuts, and fragrant basil — all drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s juicy, creamy, crunchy, and utterly refreshing, making it the ultimate warm-weather salad.
🛒 Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale, or your favorite mix)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a softer, tangier touch)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze or balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🥣 Instructions:
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Wash and slice peaches thinly.
- Thinly slice red onions.
- Toast nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
- Assemble the Salad:
- On a large serving plate or bowl, spread out the mixed greens.
- Arrange peach slices evenly over the greens.
- Sprinkle on red onion slices, crumbled cheese, and toasted nuts.
- Finish & Dress:
- Scatter torn basil leaves over the top.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or vinaigrette.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately:
Best enjoyed fresh, slightly chilled or at room temperature.
🍽️ Servings:
Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main.
🧠 Tips & Notes:
- Cheese Swap: Try blue cheese for more tang or burrata for creamy luxury.
- No balsamic glaze? Reduce balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey over low heat until thickened.
- Nut-Free Option: Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Make Ahead: Prep ingredients in advance, but assemble and dress just before serving for freshness.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto slices pair beautifully.
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: ~300mg
(Note: Will vary depending on cheese and dressing choice.)
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Peaches: High in antioxidants, vitamins A & C, and support hydration.
- Leafy Greens: Packed with fiber, folate, and essential minerals.
- Feta Cheese: Adds calcium and protein in moderation.
- Nuts: Healthy fats, protein, and crunch that support heart health.
- Basil: A source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
❓ Q&A Section:
Q: Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
A: Fresh is best for texture and flavor, but canned (in juice) or thawed frozen peaches can work in a pinch — just pat dry.
Q: What if my peaches aren’t sweet enough?
A: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup with the dressing to balance it out.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.
Q: What wine pairs well?
A: Try a chilled rosé, sauvignon blanc, or a crisp prosecco.
Q: Any good substitutions for basil?
A: Mint or fresh thyme offer a fun twist!
Let me know if you’d like a printable version, a grilled peach twist, or to turn this into a main course salad. 🧡