Simple Peach Feta Salad
If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that brings the taste of summer to your table, then this Simple Peach Feta Salad is just what you need! It’s a delightful combination of sweet, juicy peaches and creamy feta cheese, making it a perfect side for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress your guests, plus it comes together in just 15 minutes!
This salad isn’t only quick to whip up; it also celebrates the best of seasonal produce. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it at a barbecue, this peach salad will brighten any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a stunning dish without any fuss.
- Flavorful Balance: The sweetness of ripe peaches pairs beautifully with the salty feta and peppery greens, offering a delightful contrast.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with fresh ingredients, this salad is nutritious and guilt-free—perfect for health-conscious eaters!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: This beautiful salad is great for potlucks or get-togethers, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious Simple Peach Feta Salad. These items are easy to find and will help you create a fresh and vibrant dish!
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced
– 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
– 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
– 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Variations
One of the best things about this Simple Peach Feta Salad is its flexibility! You can easily adapt the recipe based on what you love or have available.
- Swap the greens: Use different leafy greens like romaine or spring mix for a unique twist.
- Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Change the nuts: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh mint or cilantro can add an exciting flavor dimension.
How to Make Simple Peach Feta Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Start by preparing the peaches: Wash and slice the peaches into wedges or rounds, depending on your preference. The sweet aroma of ripe peaches will get your taste buds excited!
Step 2: Mix the Greens
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens with the thinly sliced red onion and torn basil leaves. This blend adds layers of flavor and texture that complement the juicy peaches perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble Your Salad
Add the sliced peaches on top of the greens and onion mixture, arranging them in an appealing way. A beautiful presentation makes everything taste better!
Step 4: Add Crumbled Feta
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad. Its creamy texture enhances every bite and adds a lovely salty contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.
Step 5: Incorporate Nuts
Add candied pecans or walnuts for that sweet crunch! They not only enhance flavor but also bring a satisfying texture that makes each forkful interesting.
Step 6: Whisk Together Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your liking—this dressing is key to tying all those delicious flavors together.
Step 7: Drizzle & Toss
Drizzle the dressing over your salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients while ensuring that every bite gets coated in that tasty dressing.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this refreshing Simple Peach Feta Salad! It’s perfect as a side dish or even as a light meal on its own. Enjoy every colorful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Simple Peach Feta Salad
Creating the perfect peach feta salad is all about balance and fresh ingredients, so here are some tips to help you shine in the kitchen!
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Choose ripe peaches: The sweetness of the peaches is key to this salad. Look for peaches that give slightly when pressed and have a fragrant aroma.
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Use fresh greens: Opt for a mix of peppery and mild greens to create depth in flavor. Fresh greens not only taste better but also provide a vibrant color contrast.
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Prepare the dressing in advance: Whipping up your honey-balsamic dressing ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good whisk before drizzling it over your salad.
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Experiment with nuts: While candied pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, feel free to try other nuts like almonds or cashews for a unique twist. Each nut brings its own flavor and texture.
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Toss gently: When mixing the salad, be gentle! You want to keep the peach slices intact while ensuring everything is well coated with dressing.
How to Serve Simple Peach Feta Salad
Serving your Simple Peach Feta Salad can be as creative as you like! Whether it’s for a casual family meal or an elegant gathering, here are some presentation ideas to make it shine.
Garnishes
- Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the refreshing taste of the salad.
- Edible flowers: Petals from edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies can elevate your dish visually and add a hint of floral flavor.
Side Dishes
- Quinoa Pilaf: This healthy grain dish is infused with herbs and spices, making it a hearty complement to the lightness of the peach salad.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful veggies grilled to perfection bring smoky flavors that pair beautifully with sweet peaches.
- Chickpea Hummus: A creamy hummus served with pita chips or vegetable sticks makes for an excellent protein-rich side that balances out your meal.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and crispiness will harmonize wonderfully with the salad’s bright flavors, adding substance without overpowering it.
With these tips and serving ideas, you’re all set to impress with your Simple Peach Feta Salad! Enjoy every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Simple Peach Feta Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare components ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- To keep the salad fresh, separate the dressing from the salad components if you know you will have leftovers.
- Consume within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended.
- If you want to prepare ingredients ahead, consider freezing the candied nuts separately.
Reheating
- There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s served cold.
- If you’ve stored leftovers, simply toss and serve after refrigerating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the Simple Peach Feta Salad that might help you out!
Can I make the Simple Peach Feta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just mix everything together with dressing right before serving for the freshest taste.
What should I use instead of feta cheese in my Simple Peach Feta Salad?
If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, try using crumbled tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative to achieve a similar creamy texture without using feta cheese.
How do I choose ripe peaches for my Simple Peach Feta Salad?
Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. They should have vibrant color and smooth skin without any blemishes.
Is there a substitute for candied pecans in my Simple Peach Feta Salad?
Absolutely! You can use roasted unsalted nuts like walnuts or almonds. Alternatively, you can make your own by lightly toasting nuts with a bit of sugar and cinnamon on the stovetop.
Can I add other ingredients to my Simple Peach Feta Salad?
Feel free to customize your salad! Add ingredients like avocado, berries, or different greens to enhance flavors and textures based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Simple Peach Feta Salad as much as I do! Its vibrant colors and delightful combination of flavors make it truly special for any occasion. Enjoy this refreshing dish at your next gathering or as a simple weeknight dinner side. Happy cooking!
Simple Peach Feta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re in search of a bright and refreshing dish to elevate your summer meals, look no further than this Simple Peach Feta Salad. This delightful combination features sweet, juicy peaches paired with creamy feta cheese and vibrant mixed greens, creating a perfect side for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad is both quick and nutritious, making it ideal for health-conscious eaters. Its balance of flavors—sweet peaches, salty feta, and peppery greens—will impress your guests at any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup candied walnuts
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches by washing and slicing them into wedges.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens with thinly sliced red onion and torn basil leaves.
- Add the sliced peaches on top of the greens and onion mixture.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad.
- Incorporate candied walnuts for added crunch.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1.5 cups (180g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
