Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
- Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or your choice)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation Tips:
- Wash and dry all produce thoroughly.
- Slice peaches, cucumber, and red onion just before assembling to preserve their freshness.
- Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing the mixed greens thoroughly, ensuring they are dry before using them. Next, slice the peaches into wedges or chunks, depending on your preference. Halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. - Toast the Nuts:
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add your choice of nuts—almonds, walnuts, or pecans—and toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and emit a warm, nutty fragrance. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, peaches, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Gently toss these ingredients together, taking care not to bruise the peaches or tomatoes. - Add the Cheese and Nuts:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad, followed by the toasted nuts. The feta will add a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet peaches, and the toasted nuts will provide a lovely crunch. - Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the peaches or tomatoes too much during this process. - Serve Immediately:
This salad is best served right after it’s dressed, as the freshness of the ingredients shines through when served immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh, Ripe Peaches:
Fresh peaches are the star of this salad, so it’s important to choose ripe, juicy ones. When peaches are in season, they are sweet, fragrant, and perfect for salads. If you can’t find peaches, nectarines or plums make excellent substitutes. - Toast the Nuts:
Toasting the nuts is a simple step that enhances their flavor. The heat brings out their natural oils and makes them more aromatic. Always keep an eye on them to avoid burning. - Prepare the Dressing in Advance:
You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in a jar or bottle in the fridge. This will help the flavors blend even more. Just give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling it over the salad. - Feta Cheese Substitution:
If you want a vegan version of this salad, you can substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta or a simple crumbled tofu. The texture and flavor will vary, but it will still be delicious. - Add Protein for a Complete Meal:
While this salad makes for a light and refreshing side dish, you can easily make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These proteins will pair perfectly with the peaches and feta. - Chill the Salad Ingredients:
To make this salad extra refreshing, you can chill the ingredients in the fridge for 30 minutes before assembling. This will keep the salad cool and enhance the flavors. - Customizable Options:
Don’t be afraid to customize this salad. Add other fruits like strawberries or berries, or swap out the nuts for seeds. The dressing can also be adjusted to suit your taste—add a little more honey for sweetness or Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting the nuts)