This Peach Salad is your new go-to for a burst of fresh flavor. It’s incredibly simple to make, refreshing, and perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish. You’ll love how easy it is to bring this bright, summery salad to your table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Fresh Peaches: Choose ripe, firm peaches for the best texture and sweetness. Nectarines work well too!
- Mixed Greens: Any tender lettuce like spring mix, butter lettuce, or even baby spinach is great.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a salty tang. Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella balls are tasty alternatives.
- Red Onion: Provides a little bite. Shallots can offer a milder flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: This sweet and tangy dressing brings it all together. You can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar, or use a good quality store-bought one.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
* 3 ripe peaches, thinly sliced or diced
* 5 ounces mixed greens
* 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
For the Balsamic Glaze (or store-bought):
* 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (if making your own glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using store-bought glaze) or 10-15 minutes (if reducing balsamic vinegar)
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, sharp knife, cutting board.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glaze (if making homemade):
If you’re making your own balsamic glaze, pour 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it reduce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens to a syrup consistency. It will thicken more as it cools.
2. Slice Your Peaches:
Wash your peaches well. Carefully slice each peach thinly or dice them into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.
3. Slice the Red Onion:
Take your red onion and slice it as thinly as possible. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain them before adding to the salad.
4. Combine Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, sliced peaches, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. If using, add the chopped pecans or walnuts now.
5. Dress and Serve:
Just before serving, drizzle your desired amount of balsamic glaze over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh Peach Salad!
Storage Instructions:
It’s best to enjoy this Peach Salad fresh, as the greens can wilt and peaches can become watery if dressed too far in advance. If you have leftovers, store the undressed components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Dress just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
-
Can I make this Peach Salad ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble and dress this salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp and peaches fresh. You can prepare the ingredients (slice peaches, chop onion, make glaze) ahead of time and store them separately. -
What kind of peaches are best for this salad?
Firm, ripe peaches work best. They hold their shape well and offer a perfect balance of sweetness. -
Can I use frozen peaches?
While fresh peaches are highly recommended for their texture, you could use frozen peach slices if thawed completely and drained very well. The texture won’t be quite the same. -
Is this Peach Salad good for meal prep?
You can prep the individual components like sliced peaches, onion, and make the glaze. Keep them separate, then combine and dress when you’re ready to eat. -
What can I add for extra protein?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or a handful of chickpeas would be excellent additions to make this Peach Salad a more substantial meal. -
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! A light vinaigrette (like a lemon-herb or honey-dijon) would also pair wonderfully with the fresh peaches and greens.