Peach Salad Recipe – Amazing Summer Dish with 5 Easy Steps

Peach salad recipe just saying it brings back memories of warm kitchen mornings filled with sunshine and the scent of fresh herbs. Back when I started Recipe Inspired, my goal was to make home cooking joyful and accessible for everyone. This peach salad was one of the very first dishes I created for the blog during peak summer, inspired by a spontaneous trip to the farmer’s market where I couldn’t resist a crate of perfectly ripe peaches.

It reminded me why I started cooking in the first place: to bring people together with food that feels comforting and effortless. This recipe was born from that intention simple ingredients, seasonal produce, and a vibrant dressing that pulls it all together. I served it that evening with grilled chicken and homemade lemonade on the porch, and just like that, a new summer tradition began.

With its sweet peaches, crisp greens, and creamy feta, this salad embodies everything I love to share here on Recipe Inspired meals that are fresh, easy, and made with love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your journey, this peach salad is one of those dishes that makes every kitchen feel like home.

Peach Salad

A refreshing summer salad featuring ripe peaches, mixed greens, and a zesty balsamic vinaigrette.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

• Salad bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Salad spinner
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces Ripe peaches Sliced into wedges.
• 4 cups Mixed salad greens Such as spinach, arugula, or romaine.
• 1/2 cup Feta cheese Crumble on top (optional).
• 1/4 cup Walnuts or pecans Chopped for crunch.
• 1/4 piece Red onion Thinly sliced.
• 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves Torn for flavor.
• 1/4 cup Balsamic vinaigrette dressing For drizzling over the salad.
• to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.

Instructions

 

• Wash the peaches thoroughly under cool running water, slice them into thin wedges, and remove the pit.
• Rinse the mixed salad greens and dry them using a salad spinner.
• Thinly slice the red onion. If desired, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.
• Chop the walnuts or pecans into smaller pieces.
• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1/2 cup of olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste, and whisk until well blended.
• In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the base, then layer the sliced peaches, red onion, and chopped nuts.
• If using, crumble the feta cheese over the salad and add the torn basil leaves.
• Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.

Notes

This peach salad is a versatile dish that can be customized with various proteins or seasonal fruits.

Keyword Healthy Recipe, Peach Salad, Summer Salad

Discovering the Best Peach Salad Recipe

Why This Peach Salad Works So Well

A peach salad recipe isn’t just a light meal it’s a celebration of summer’s best ingredients. The fresh sweetness of peaches balances perfectly with the tangy bite of feta cheese and the crunch of toasted nuts. When I first created this peach salad recipe, I wanted something vibrant and flavorful that could be made quickly but still wow my guests. It quickly became a go-to dish during peach season and has stayed on my summer rotation ever since.

This peach salad recipe stands out because it’s so easy to customize. If you love bold flavors, add red onions or a hint of citrus to the dressing. Prefer something mild? Skip the onions and go heavier on the basil. The combination of greens, peaches, feta, and nuts delivers just the right mix of creamy, crunchy, and juicy textures in every bite. Plus, it’s a great way to get more fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor.

For more fresh summer inspiration, you might also enjoy this crisp Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad or our reader-favorite Greek Salad with Feta Cheese both are bursting with seasonal flavor and work beautifully alongside this peach salad recipe.

Perfect for Summer & Beyond

Though this peach salad was made for summer, it’s incredibly versatile all year long. Swap in crisp apples or juicy pears during fall, brighten it up with fresh herbs like mint or dill in spring, and don’t hesitate to use canned peaches in winter when fresh ones are harder to find.

Serve it as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish for grilled dinners. I love pairing this salad with dishes like Garlic Butter Scallops or Soft and Fluffy French Bread for a satisfying meal. This peach salad recipe doesn’t just offer a burst of flavor it adds a splash of color to your plate and a bit of sunshine to your day.

You can even prep the ingredients in advance for easy assembly. Just store the dressing separately and toss everything together when ready to serve. Whether it’s for a picnic, potluck, or just lunch on your patio, this peach salad recipe is your ticket to effortless, seasonal eating.

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Key Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Salad Recipe

Fresh Ingredients That Make This Peach Salad Recipe Shine

Every great peach salad recipe begins with a few simple, seasonal ingredients that do the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor. At the heart of this dish are ripe peaches juicy, sweet, and full of summer magic. I always look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch with a fragrant aroma. Their natural sugars play beautifully off the saltiness of feta cheese and the earthy crunch of chopped nuts.

The greens you choose set the tone for the texture. I love using a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine. Arugula adds peppery notes, spinach brings tenderness, and romaine offers that satisfying crunch. For extra layers of flavor, red onions add a sharp bite, and basil leaves give a burst of freshness that brightens every forkful. Don’t forget the vinaigrette it ties everything together with just the right tang.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch or prepping lunch for the week, this peach salad recipe is flexible and impressive. If you’re in the mood for more light and delicious ideas, try our Avocado Chicken Salad or refreshing Olive Garden Salad Recipe both make excellent companions to your summer table.

Ingredient List for Peach Salad Recipe

• 2 fresh peaches, sliced into wedges
• 4 cups leafy greens, like spinach, romaine, or arugula
• 1/2 cup feta crumbles (optional but adds creamy saltiness)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 small red onion, sliced extra thin
• A handful of basil leaves, roughly torn
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and black pepper, adjusted to taste

Tasty Swaps and Customizations:

• For a dairy-free version, skip the feta or try a plant-based cheese alternative
• Add sliced almonds or roasted seeds instead of traditional nuts
• Replace mixed greens with tender baby kale or a peppery herb mix like watercress

These ingredients bring out the full potential of your peach salad sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy in each bite.

How to Make This Peach Salad Recipe Step-by-Step

Prepping Fresh Ingredients for Your Salad Recipe

Start by preparing all your ingredients so the assembly comes together quickly and smoothly. For the salad, freshness is key so rinse, slice, and prep everything just before tossing.

First, gently wash your peaches under cool water and pat them dry. Slice them into even wedges, removing the pits. Set them aside in a shallow bowl. Next, rinse your greens thoroughly. If you’re using a salad spinner, give them a good spin to remove all excess water this keeps your salad crisp, not soggy.

Now, thinly slice the red onion. If the flavor feels too sharp, soak the slices in ice water for 5–10 minutes to mellow the bite. Roughly chop your chosen nuts walnuts or pecans both work well. Last but not least, tear the basil leaves just before use for maximum aroma.

This preparation stage is all about enhancing freshness. With everything prepped, you’re ready to move on to the dressing.

Making the Dressing and Assembling the Salad

Now let’s bring the salad together. Start by making the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or mason jar, mix 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar with 1/2 cup olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. For a touch of sweetness, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Whisk or shake until the dressing emulsifies.

Next, assemble your peach salad recipe. In a large salad bowl, lay down the greens as your base. Arrange the peach slices gently over the greens. Follow with red onion slices and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. If using feta, crumble it over the top. Add the torn basil leaves last to preserve their flavor and color.

Right before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette across the top. Gently toss using tongs or two large spoons, making sure everything gets a light, even coating.

Serve immediately and enjoy every refreshing bite. This salad is at its best when crisp, juicy, and dressed fresh.

Variations and Serving Ideas for Peach Salad Recipe

Creative Variations to Customize Your Peach Salad Recipe

One of the reasons I love this salad recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever’s in your fridge or pantry. Over the years, I’ve made endless variations to suit the season or the occasion. Whether you’re going plant-based or adding protein for a full meal, there’s always room to make it your own.

For added protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make perfect additions. They turn this peach salad recipe into a hearty, satisfying dish. Want to go dairy-free? Skip the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative. Craving more crunch? Swap walnuts with toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.

In cooler months, swap peaches with roasted pears or thinly sliced apples. In spring, fresh herbs like mint or dill give this salad an entirely new profile. The beauty of this peach salad recipe is its flexibility it evolves with the seasons, your taste, and your lifestyle.

Serving Suggestions That Elevate the Peach Salad Recipe

Presentation transforms a simple peach salad recipe into something spectacular. When I serve this salad, especially for guests, I always take a few extra minutes to make it shine on the plate. Here are some of my favorite ways to present it beautifully.

Serve in chilled bowls to keep everything crisp, especially during hot summer months. If you want to impress, layer the salad in a clear glass bowl greens at the bottom, followed by peaches, onions, feta, and nuts on top. This highlights the colorful contrast and fresh ingredients.

Individual servings in small jars or salad cups are great for parties or picnics. They’re portable, pretty, and perfectly portioned.

Just before serving, I like to garnish with a few extra basil leaves and a final drizzle of dressing it adds aroma, flavor, and polish. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.

Conclusion

This peach salad recipe is the kind of dish that becomes a go-to once you’ve made it once. It’s simple, quick, and flexible perfect for summer gatherings or solo lunches. Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, it’s a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy.

With seasonal produce, easy swaps, and endless variation ideas, this salad grows with you and your kitchen journey. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or enjoying it on its own, it brings sunshine to your plate.

Try it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your warm-weather favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions