Fresh Peach Arugula Salad Recipe: Tangy Summer Delight

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

Sweet stone fruits mingle beautifully with peppery greens.

Crisp arugula leaves create a vibrant backdrop for ripe peach slices.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance across your plate with minimal effort.

Seasonal produce shines in this simple yet elegant combination.

Contrasting textures and flavors make this salad a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

You’ll adore how quickly this dish comes together, promising a delicious experience in minutes.

Why Easy Peach Arugula Salad Pops

• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this salad a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy individuals seeking a fast, delicious meal.
• Combine sweet peaches, peppery arugula, and tangy goat cheese for a vibrant dish that captures seasonal freshness in every bite.
• Packed with healthy ingredients like nuts, fresh produce, and olive oil, this salad offers a balanced and nourishing option for health-conscious eaters.
• Adaptable for various occasions from casual lunch to elegant dinner party, and easily customizable with alternative ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients in Peach Arugula Salad

• Arugula: Peppery green base for the salad.
• Peaches: Sweet and juicy fresh fruit component.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy tangy cheese topping.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar: Smooth and rich base for dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener for balanced flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp and tangy depth.

• Pecans, Red Onion, Basil: Crunchy, sharp, and aromatic supporting elements.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for overall taste.

How to Assemble Peach Arugula Salad

Step 1: Create Zesty Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, glossy mixture.

Give it a quick taste and tweak the seasonings to your liking.

Step 2: Prep Salad Ingredients

• Crisp arugula leaves
• Juicy sliced peaches
• Crumbled goat cheese
• Toasted pecans
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Step 3: Combine And Dress

Drizzle the zesty dressing over the salad ingredients.

Using salad tongs or a gentle hand, toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a delightful coating of dressing.

Step 4: Plate And Serve

Transfer the colorful salad to a beautiful serving platter or divide among individual plates.

Serve immediately while the ingredients are fresh and vibrant.

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and peppery flavors in every bite.

Easy Tips for Peach Arugula Salad

• Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, well-blended flavors that coat every ingredient perfectly.
• Choose ripe, juicy peaches at room temperature for maximum sweetness and best texture in the salad.
• Lightly toast pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• Crumble goat cheese or feta while slightly chilled for neater, more even distribution throughout the salad.
• Prepare salad components separately and combine just before serving to maintain crisp arugula and prevent wilting.

Storage for Peach Arugula Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent arugula from getting soggy.
• Store peaches, nuts, cheese, and arugula in different containers to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, drain any excess liquid and gently toss salad to redistribute ingredients and revive texture.
• Do not freeze this salad as fresh ingredients like arugula, peaches, and goat cheese will lose their crisp texture and quality when thawed.

What to Pair with Peach Arugula Salad

• Enhance Peachy Flavor Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the salad's bright, tangy notes with its citrusy undertones and refreshing acidity.
• Nutty Crunch Companion: Light wheat beer or amber ale matches the toasted pecans' richness and balances the salad's peppery arugula and sweet peaches.
• Cheese-Friendly Wine Selection: Dry rosé wine beautifully highlights the creamy goat cheese and provides a delightful contrast to the salad's fruity and herbal elements.
• Rustic Picnic Match: Sparkling water with fresh mint or a light gin spritzer adds zesty freshness that echoes the salad's vibrant summer flavors.

Fresh Combo Ideas for Peach Arugula Salad

• Vegan Peach Arugula Salad: Replace goat cheese with creamy cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Swap honey with maple syrup for a plant-based sweetener.
• Gluten-Free Summer Salad: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for nut-free option.
• Protein-Packed Peach Salad: Add grilled chicken or seared tofu strips. Incorporate quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein boost and hearty texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Sprinkle fresh mint or oregano instead of basil. Include kalamata olives and swap red onion for thinly sliced shallots for Mediterranean flair.

FAQs

• Why use arugula instead of other greens?

Arugula provides a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that perfectly complements the sweet peaches and creamy cheese, creating a more complex and exciting salad profile compared to traditional lettuce.

• Can I substitute fresh peaches with canned or frozen peaches?

Fresh peaches are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if unavailable, you can use ripe canned or frozen peaches. Just ensure they’re well-drained and pat dry to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

• How do I toast pecans for the salad?

Simply spread pecans on a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as nuts can quickly go from toasted to burnt.

• Is this salad considered a healthy dish?

Yes, this salad is nutritionally balanced with healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, protein from cheese, vitamins from peaches, and low-calorie arugula, making it a nutrient-dense and delicious meal option.

Easy Peach Arugula Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s fresh peach arugula salad delivers crisp greens and sweet fruit in perfect harmony. Refreshing flavors dance between peppery arugula, juicy peaches, and tangy goat cheese, promising delightful bites you’ll savor to the last forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Base:

• 6 cups fresh arugula
• 4 ripe peaches (pitted and sliced)
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (torn (optional))

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small mixing vessel until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Select a spacious mixing bowl and layer fresh arugula as the foundational green base for the salad.
3. Slice ripe peaches into delicate, uniform segments and scatter them across the arugula landscape.
4. Crumble creamy goat cheese or tangy feta to add a luxurious dairy element to the salad’s texture.
5. Sprinkle toasted pecans or chopped walnuts to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
6. Thinly slice red onion and disperse the rings throughout the salad for a subtle sharp flavor.
7. If available, tear fresh basil leaves and distribute them gently across the salad’s surface.
8. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the assembled ingredients, using a light touch to ensure even coating.
9. Carefully toss all components together, ensuring each ingredient is gracefully dressed without bruising the delicate greens.
10. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates, presenting the colorful medley at room temperature for optimal flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap goat cheese with vegan alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew crumbles for dairy-free diets.
• Toast nuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely in a dry skillet or oven.
• Slice peaches just before serving to prevent browning and maintain their fresh, vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Prepare dressing separately and store in a sealed container for up to three days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Tossing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg