This Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad Recipe is the perfect celebration of sunny days and vibrant flavors all in one bowl. Bursting with juicy peaches and sweet blueberries, it combines fresh mixed greens, tangy feta, crunchy toasted nuts, and a delightfully bright dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a gorgeous side dish for your barbecue, or a refreshing way to enjoy seasonal fruits, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your summer repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, and each ingredient plays a star role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, crunch, and freshness. From succulent peaches to zesty dressing components, here’s exactly what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.
- 2 ripe peaches (sliced): Choose peaches that are fragrant and just soft to the touch for maximum juiciness.
- 1 cup fresh blueberries: Adds a burst of sweetness and pretty pops of blue that contrast gorgeously with peach slices.
- 4 cups mixed greens: A blend of arugula, spinach, or spring mix offers a peppery, tender base full of vibrant color.
- ¼ small red onion (thinly sliced): Sliced thin for a mild bite that wakes up the salad without overpowering it.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese): Creamy and tangy, this cheese adds a luscious texture and bright flavor.
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted): Toasting nuts brings out rich nuttiness and adds irresistible crunch.
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish): Gives a refreshing herbal twist that pairs perfectly with fruity ingredients.
- Dressing ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic), 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper to taste — each element balancing sweet, tangy, and savory notes beautifully.
How to Make Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake well until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth dressing. This simple yet flavorful dressing brings everything in the salad together with its tangy-sweet punch.
Step 2: Toss the Base Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, gently combine your mixed greens, sliced peaches, fresh blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss carefully to avoid breaking the fruit but ensure the mixture is well blended. The vibrant colors and textures should be beautifully distributed.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad, followed by the toasted nuts. The feta adds richness while the toasted walnuts or pecans contribute a toasty crunch that’s absolutely delightful in every bite.
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the freshly whisked dressing over the entire salad and toss lightly to coat. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if you like, for an added burst of freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the ingredients at their peak texture and flavor.
How to Serve Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh mint leaves isn’t just about looks—mint adds a bright, cooling note that contrasts perfectly with the sweet fruit and creamy feta. You can also sprinkle some extra nuts or a few edible flowers for an elegant touch that impresses guests.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or shrimp, as well as light seafood dishes. Its fresh, fruity notes balance perfectly with smoky, savory main courses. A chilled crisp white wine or sparkling water with citrus slices complements the salad beautifully during warm weather meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve this salad in clear glass bowls or individual mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom and greens on top. You can also use ring molds when plating to create a neat, restaurant-style tower of vibrant colors that will wow your family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain the fresh texture of the greens and fruit. The salad is best eaten within 1–2 days to enjoy its full flavor and crunch.
Freezing
Because this salad depends on fresh fruits and leafy greens, freezing is not recommended. The texture and quality of peaches, blueberries, and greens would degrade significantly if frozen.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised as it will wilt the greens and soften the fruit, taking away from the fresh summer experience of this recipe.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches and blueberries for the Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad Recipe?
Fresh fruit is key to this salad’s crisp texture and bright taste, so fresh peaches and blueberries really make a difference. Frozen or canned fruit may work in a pinch but expect a softer, less vibrant salad.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, mozzarella pearls or burrata make excellent milder alternatives. Both provide creamy texture without the tanginess of feta, allowing the fruit to shine even more.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese option. The rest of the ingredients and the dressing are vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas boost the protein content and turn this salad into a satisfying main course while keeping it light and fresh.
How long does this salad keep once dressed?
Once dressed, it’s best to eat the salad within a couple of hours to enjoy optimal freshness. The dressing can cause the fruit and greens to soften if left too long.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad Recipe enough. It’s such a simple, joyful way to enjoy the peak of summer’s bounty with bright flavors and a refreshing balance of textures. Whether you serve it for lunch, as a side dish at your next gathering, or just crave something light and beautiful, this salad will quickly become a cherished favorite. Give it a go—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Fresh Peach and Blueberry Summer Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant summer salad combining ripe peaches, juicy blueberries, mixed greens, and tangy feta cheese, topped with toasted nuts and a homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light main course or refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is emulsified and well combined. Set aside.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the mixed greens, sliced peaches, fresh blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, toasted chopped nuts, and fresh mint leaves over the salad for added flavor and texture.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate fruits and greens.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing summer side dish or a light main course, enjoying the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Swap feta for mozzarella pearls or burrata for a milder cheese flavor.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled dishes and crisp white wine.
