If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer, let me introduce you to my Simple Peach Feta Salad. This delightful salad combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with creamy feta cheese and a medley of greens. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that works perfectly for busy weeknights, picnics in the park, or family gatherings. Whenever I serve this salad, it never fails to bring smiles and compliments!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a beautiful and tasty salad that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can have this salad ready to impress your family or guests.
Flavorful Experience: The combination of sweet peaches and salty feta creates a delicious contrast that dances on your palate.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fresh ingredients, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Versatile Dish: Whether as an appetizer or a light lunch, this salad fits any occasion perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Simple Peach Feta Salad uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a refreshing dish that highlights the best of summer. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad

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

For the Dressing

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

The beauty of this Simple Peach Feta Salad lies in its flexibility! Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Add some protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas can easily boost the nutrition while making it more filling.
Try different nuts: Swap in almonds or sunflower seeds if you’re looking for an alternative crunch.
Mix up the cheese: Goat cheese can provide a tangy twist if feta isn’t your favorite.
Add seasonal fruits: Substitute peaches with nectarines or plums for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Simple Peach Feta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Start by preparing the peaches: Wash and slice them into wedges or rounds based on what you prefer. Fresh peaches are sweet and juicy, making them the star of this salad!

Step 2: Combine the Greens

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced red onion, and fresh basil leaves. Tossing these together helps create a flavorful base that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Layer in the Peaches

Add the sliced peaches on top of your greens mixture. Arrange them in an appealing way because we eat with our eyes first! This little touch makes all the difference at gatherings.

Step 4: Sprinkle with Feta

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad for that creamy goodness. The salty taste of feta complements the sweetness of peaches perfectly!

Step 5: Add Crunchy Nuts

Now it’s time to add those candied pecans or walnuts for a sweet crunch. They not only enhance texture but also add another layer of flavor.

Step 6: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing ties everything together with its light sweetness and tanginess—be sure to adjust seasoning according to your taste!

Step 7: Dress Just Before Serving

Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess from those lovely greens.

Step 8: Toss Gently

Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly while ensuring each bite is coated in delicious dressing. Enjoy every moment as you serve this vibrant dish!

Pro Tips for Making Simple Peach Feta Salad

Creating the perfect Simple Peach Feta Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, and I’m here to help you nail it!

Choose ripe peaches – Opt for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. This ensures your salad is bursting with natural sweetness.
Use fresh greens – Fresh mixed greens not only add crunch but also provide a vibrant color contrast to the peaches. Look for a mix that includes arugula, spinach, and baby kale for added flavor.
Make your own candied nuts – While store-bought options are convenient, making your own candied pecans or walnuts allows you to control the sweetness and flavor. Plus, it’s a fun activity!
Let the salad sit before serving – Allowing the salad to rest for about 5 minutes after tossing it with dressing helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Experiment with cheese alternatives – If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using almond feta or a vegan cheese spread in place of traditional feta for a similar creamy texture.

How to Serve Simple Peach Feta Salad

This beautiful salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate! Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply enjoying dinner at home, here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves – A sprinkle of fresh mint adds an aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of peaches.
Chopped green onions – These provide a mild onion flavor while adding a pop of color.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy chicken skewers marinated in herbs make a perfect protein-packed pairing with the refreshing salad.
Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf infused with lemon zest offers a hearty side that balances well with the lightness of the salad.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add depth and warmth to your meal while still being healthy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Simple Peach Feta Salad will not only taste amazing but will also impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Simple Peach Feta Salad is not only vibrant and delicious, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare many components ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For best freshness, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the fresh ingredients, particularly the peaches and greens, which do not thaw well.
Instead, consider prepping individual components (like the dressing or candied nuts) for later use.

Reheating

If you have leftover greens or components you’d like to warm up, do so gently to avoid wilting.
Toss your salad together just before serving for the best presentation and taste.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I make a Simple Peach Feta Salad without feta cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute feta with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it entirely for a lighter version. The salad will still be refreshing and tasty!

How can I customize my Simple Peach Feta Salad?

Feel free to add ingredients like grilled chicken, quinoa, or even different fruits such as strawberries or blueberries for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is the honey-balsamic dressing suitable for other salads?

Yes! This honey-balsamic dressing pairs beautifully with various salads. Try it with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, or grain-based salads for a gourmet touch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Simple Peach Feta Salad as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate summer flavors while keeping things healthy and colorful. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!

Simple Peach Feta Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Discover the vibrant flavors of summer with this Simple Peach Feta Salad. This refreshing dish combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with creamy feta cheese and a mix of fresh greens, creating a delightful balance that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, enjoying a family dinner, or simply looking for a quick, healthy meal, this salad is sure to impress. With its easy preparation and colorful presentation, it not only pleases the palate but also brings a smile to every table!

Ingredients

Scale

4 ripe peaches, sliced
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the peaches by washing and slicing them into wedges or rounds.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced red onion, and fresh basil leaves.
Layer sliced peaches on top of the greens mixture.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad.
Add candied pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.