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Summer peach salad with mixed greens, feta, toasted pecans, basil, and honey Dijon dressing served in a white bowl.
Nimble Chef

Summer Peach Salad Recipe (Fresh, Light & Easy)

A fresh, light summer peach salad with juicy ripe peaches, crisp mixed greens, creamy feta, toasted pecans, and a honey-Dijon vinaigrette. Ready in about 20 minutes, it's the perfect easy side for cookouts, potlucks, or a light lunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
  • 5 cup mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1/3 cup toasted pecans or almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • handful of fresh basil or mint leaves, torn
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl or jar For whisking the dressing.
  • Whisk
  • Dry skillet For toasting the nuts.
  • chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large platter or shallow bowl For assembling the salad.

Method
 

  1. Whisk the olive oil, honey, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl or jar. Taste and adjust, adding a little more honey if too sharp.
  2. Toast the pecans or almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing every minute or so, until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely so they don't burn.
  3. Cut around the pit of each peach and slice into wedges, about 6 to 8 pieces per peach. Peel if desired, though the skin can be left on for color.
  4. Spread the mixed greens across a large platter or shallow bowl so the peaches don't sink to the bottom.
  5. Arrange the peach wedges over the greens, then scatter the red onion, cheese, toasted nuts, and torn herbs on top.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving and toss gently, or serve the dressing on the side.

Notes

Use ripe peaches that give slightly near the stem for the best flavor and texture. Dress the salad right before serving to prevent sogginess. Substitute burrata or fresh mozzarella for the feta, walnuts or sunflower seeds for the pecans, and nectarines for peaches if needed. Store components separately for up to a day if prepping ahead.