Welcome to a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly delightful summer dish that you’ll want to make again and again—Simple Peach Feta Salad. This salad is perfect for those warm days when you crave something light yet flavorful. Packed with juicy peaches, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Ready to dive into this culinary delight? Read on to discover how to make this simple yet sensational salad that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
What is a Peach Feta Salad?
Peach Feta Salad is a delicious combination of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It features ripe peaches, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp shallots, crumbly feta cheese, and fresh herbs like basil and mint. This salad is elevated by a simple yet effective dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and garlic powder. The result is a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious, perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish, or even a light dinner.
Ingredients List for Peach Feta Salad
For the Salad:
- 3 large peaches, pits removed and cut into 6-8 wedges per fruit (ripe nectarines can be used as a substitute)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- Half a small shallot, peeled and sliced thinly
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 10 large leaves fresh basil, chopped
- 10 large leaves fresh mint, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ a lemon, juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Substitutions and Variations
One of the wonderful aspects of this Peach Feta Salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Fruits: Swap peaches for nectarines, apricots, or even plums.
- Cheese: Replace feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or ricotta salata for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Try using fresh cilantro or parsley instead of basil and mint.
- Add-ins: Enhance the salad with additional ingredients like arugula, baby spinach, toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts), or even avocado slices for added creaminess.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing this salad is straightforward and quick. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you get the perfect Peach Feta Salad every time.
- Prepare the Peaches: Start by washing and drying the peaches. Remove the pits and slice each peach into 6-8 wedges.
- Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
- Slice the Shallot: Peel the shallot and slice it thinly.
- Chop the Herbs: Wash and dry the basil and mint leaves, then chop them finely.
- Crumble the Feta: If you’re using a block of feta, crumble it into small pieces.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the peach wedges, cherry tomatoes, sliced shallot, chopped basil, and mint.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add the Feta: Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top of the salad.
How to Cook Peach Feta Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Ingredients: Ensure you have all the ingredients measured and prepared as listed above.
- Wash and Prep Produce: Clean and prep the peaches, cherry tomatoes, and herbs.
- Combine Fresh Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the peaches, tomatoes, shallots, basil, and mint.
- Whisk Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dress Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even distribution.
- Top with Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overripe or Underripe Peaches: Ensure the peaches are ripe but firm. Overripe peaches can become mushy, while underripe peaches lack sweetness.
- Overdressing the Salad: Add the dressing gradually to avoid overpowering the fresh flavors of the salad ingredients.
- Not Balancing Flavors: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the salt, pepper, and honey to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Here are some tips to enhance its presentation and serving:
- Use a Large Platter: Spread the salad out on a large platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Garnish with Extra Herbs: Add a few whole basil and mint leaves on top for a pop of color.
- Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing experience, refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Peach Feta Salad
Peach Feta Salad can be served in various ways to suit different occasions:
- As a Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or barbecued dishes.
- Light Lunch: Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a light and satisfying lunch.
- Picnic Favorite: Pack it in a container for a delightful picnic dish.
Presentation Ideas for Peach Feta Salad
- Layered Salad Jar: For a fun twist, layer the ingredients in a mason jar for individual servings.
- Edible Bowls: Serve the salad in halved and hollowed-out bell peppers or avocado shells for an innovative presentation.
Peach Feta Salad Recipe Tips
- Chill the Ingredients: Keep the ingredients chilled before assembly for a cool, crisp salad.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest produce available to ensure the best flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing in advance. Keep them separate and combine just before serving.
Q: Can I use canned peaches? A: Fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but canned peaches in natural juice can be used in a pinch.
Q: How long does this salad keep? A: The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day.
Q: Is there a vegan alternative to feta cheese? A: Yes, you can use vegan feta or crumbled tofu as a substitute.
Q: Can I add a protein to this salad? A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions to make the salad more substantial.
Conclusion
This Simple Peach Feta Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the best of summer’s bounty. Its combination of sweet peaches, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing creates a symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a stunning addition to your summer gatherings, this salad is a winner. Try it today and savor the deliciousness of this easy-to-make, refreshing salad!
PrintSimple Peach Feta Salad Recipe
Enjoy a refreshing Simple Peach Feta Salad featuring juicy peaches, ripe cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, enhanced with fresh basil and mint. Tossed with a tangy dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice, this salad is a delightful blend of flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 large peaches, pitted and cut into 6-8 wedges
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small shallot, peeled and sliced thinly
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 10 large leaves fresh basil, chopped
- 10 large leaves fresh mint, chopped
- Salad dressing:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine peach wedges, cherry tomatoes, sliced shallot, crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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