Zesty Peach Arugula Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Crafting a delightful peach arugula salad brings unexpected magic to summer dining.

Sweet stone fruits mingle with peppery greens in surprising harmony.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each vibrant plate.

Crisp arugula leaves create the perfect canvas for juicy peach slices.

Subtle notes of fresh herbs complement the natural sweetness.

Bright, zesty ingredients promise a refreshing culinary adventure.

Ingredients That Make Peach Arugula Salad Special

• Arugula: Fresh green leaves that provide a peppery base for the salad.

• Peaches: Juicy stone fruit that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad.

• Goat Cheese, Feta: Creamy cheese that brings a rich and tangy element to the dish.

• Pecans, Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that offer a toasty texture and nutty flavor to the salad.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced vegetable that provides a sharp and crisp accent.
• Basil: Fresh herb that contributes a bright and aromatic note.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps blend the dressing components.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy liquid that adds depth and complexity to the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that helps emulsify the dressing.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the salad.

How to Toss Peach Arugula Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing

Grab a small bowl and pour in extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and blended.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to give it a flavor kick. Your dressing is now ready to make this salad sing with deliciousness.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

• Juicy sliced peaches
• Crumbly goat cheese
• Crunchy toasted pecans
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Let these ingredients create a colorful landscape on top of the arugula.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Gently pour your prepared dressing over the salad. Use salad tongs to softly mix everything, ensuring each ingredient gets a light coating of the dressing.

Be gentle to keep the arugula crisp and peaches intact.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad immediately to a serving platter or individual plates.

This keeps the arugula crisp and peaches perfectly fresh. Your vibrant, flavor-packed salad is ready to impress and delight!

Pro Tips to Elevate Peach Arugula Salad

• Toast nuts quickly in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and crunch without adding extra oil.
• Grill peaches briefly before slicing to caramelize natural sugars and intensify their sweetness.
• Select ripe but firm peaches to prevent salad from becoming mushy and maintain ideal texture.
• Replace goat cheese with vegan alternatives like cashew cheese for dairy-free dietary needs.
• Massage arugula gently with dressing to soften leaves and reduce bitterness without wilting greens.

Fun Variations on Peach Arugula Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Salad: Replace arugula with mixed Mediterranean herbs like parsley, mint, and oregano for a zesty herbal version.
• Grilled Peach Alternative: Grill peach slices before adding to the salad for a smoky, caramelized flavor profile.
• Vegan Cheese Swap: Substitute goat cheese with almond-based vegan cheese or roasted tofu crumbles for a plant-based option.
• Gluten-Free Nut Blend: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of pecans to accommodate nut allergies while maintaining crunch.

Pairing Suggestions with Peach Arugula Salad

• Complement the salad's delicate flavors with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, whose bright acidity matches the peaches and cuts through the goat cheese's richness.
• Select a light, dry rosé that echoes the salad's summery notes, offering refreshing bubbles that highlight the sweet peaches and peppery arugula.
• Create a non-alcoholic companion by infusing water with lemon and mint, providing a clean, palate-cleansing drink that supports the salad's vibrant flavor profile.
• Choose a sparkling prosecco with its subtle sweetness and effervescence, which beautifully complements the honey in the dressing and the juicy peach slices.

How to Keep Peach Arugula Salad Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Separate dressing from salad to prevent wilting and soggy greens.
• Separate Components: Keep arugula, peaches, cheese, and nuts in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Gentle Reheating: Avoid microwaving the salad. Instead, let ingredients sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore optimal taste and texture.
• Fresh Add-ins: When ready to eat, quickly refresh the salad by adding a drizzle of new dressing and sprinkling fresh nuts to revive crispness and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, feta cheese works wonderfully as a substitute and provides a similar tangy flavor profile that complements the peaches and arugula.

• Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This peach arugula salad is completely vegetarian-friendly and packed with fresh ingredients that make it a nutritious meal option.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or toasted almonds to increase the protein content while maintaining the salad’s light and refreshing character.

• What if fresh peaches aren't in season?

When fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute with nectarines, grilled pears, or even canned peaches drained and patted dry to maintain the salad’s fruity essence.

Peach Arugula Salad That Excites

• Craft Quick Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy salad that impresses with minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor impact.
• Celebrate Seasonal Freshness: Highlight ripe, juicy peaches and peppery arugula for a vibrant dish that captures summer's natural sweetness and zesty undertones.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like nuts, cheeses, or dressing components to match personal preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack your plate with antioxidant-rich arugula, protein-packed nuts, calcium-loaded cheese, creating a balanced meal that nourishes and satisfies without feeling heavy.

Peach Arugula Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade peach arugula salad brings Mediterranean freshness to summer dining. Crisp greens, sweet peaches, and tangy feta create a perfect balance you’ll crave with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 peaches (ripe, pitted and sliced)
• 6 cups arugula (fresh)
• 1/2 cup goat cheese or feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts (toasted)
• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup basil leaves (torn, optional)
• 3 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smoothly blended. Season with salt and pepper to create a harmonious flavor base that will elevate the entire salad.
2. Create a lush foundation of arugula in a spacious salad bowl, spreading the leaves evenly to provide a peppery green canvas for the remaining ingredients.
3. Artfully scatter sliced peaches across the arugula, creating a colorful mosaic that highlights the fruit’s natural curves and golden hues.
4. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta over the peaches, allowing the creamy cheese to nestle between the fruit and greens.
5. Distribute toasted pecans or walnuts throughout the salad, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the composition.
6. Intersperse thin rings of red onion to introduce a sharp, zesty element that complements the salad’s sweeter components.
7. If using, delicately tear fresh basil leaves and disperse them gently across the surface for an aromatic finish.
8. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, using a light hand to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated without becoming soggy.
9. Gently toss the salad using salad tongs, ensuring an even distribution of dressing while maintaining the delicate structure of the peaches and arugula.
10. Serve immediately on a chilled platter or individual plates to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Choose ripe but firm peaches to maintain salad’s structural integrity and prevent mushiness during mixing.
• Toast nuts briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunchy texture contrast against soft peaches and creamy cheese.
• Slice red onions paper-thin to prevent overpowering the delicate peach and arugula flavors, creating a balanced taste profile.
• Substitute goat cheese with vegan alternatives like cashew cheese for dairy-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this refreshing summer salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 178 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg