Introduction & Inspiration
When summer fruits are at their sweetest, there’s nothing better than turning them into a fresh, vibrant salad like this Summer Peach Salad.
It’s juicy, colorful, full of texture, and drizzled with a bright balsamic vinaigrette that ties everything together perfectly.
Whenever I want something refreshing, elegant, and easy to throw together, this salad is my first choice.
Nostalgic Appeal
Growing up, summer always meant sticky fingers from fresh peaches, backyard picnics, and simple meals that celebrated the season’s best produce.
This salad reminds me of those days—fresh, lively, and full of sunshine in every bite.
It brings back memories of long afternoons spent outside, eating fruit straight from the tree and savoring every sweet, juicy bite.
Homemade Focus
What I love most about this salad is how purely homemade it feels.
Every component, from the juicy diced peaches to the crunchy pecans and the creamy mozzarella pearls, feels real and thoughtful.
The homemade white balsamic vinaigrette is so quick to whisk up, and it makes the salad taste so much fresher and brighter than anything you could buy pre-made.
Flavor Goal
The flavor goal here was to balance sweet, savory, creamy, and tangy elements beautifully.
The ripe peaches and blueberries bring natural sweetness, while the avocado adds a buttery richness.
Fresh mint adds a burst of herbal brightness, and the vinaigrette cuts through the richness with a touch of tangy acidity.
Every forkful should feel fresh, balanced, and a little bit indulgent.
Ingredient Insights
Ripe peaches are the heart of this salad, bringing juicy sweetness and beautiful color.
Fresh blueberries add bursts of tartness and vibrant summer flavor.
Avocados contribute a creamy, rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, savory bite to balance the sweetness.
Chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Fresh mint brightens everything up with a cool, refreshing note.
Mozzarella pearls bring soft, mild creaminess, and chopped romaine adds a fresh, crisp base.
The white balsamic vinaigrette is the final touch, tying all the elements together with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing.
Essential Equipment
A large salad bowl makes it easy to toss everything together gently without crushing the delicate fruits.
A sharp knife is essential for neatly dicing the peaches and avocados.
A small whisk and bowl make blending the vinaigrette quick and seamless.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the diced peaches, fresh blueberries, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pecans, chopped mint, mozzarella pearls, and chopped romaine lettuce.
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and granulated sugar.
Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly without mashing the delicate fruits.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with a little extra mint or a sprinkle of chopped pecans if desired.
It’s best enjoyed fresh when the textures and flavors are at their peak.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh:
This salad is best eaten immediately after tossing with the vinaigrette.
If you need to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate and refrigerate the undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Make Ahead:
You can prep all the salad components ahead of time—dice the peaches, slice the onions, chop the pecans—and store them separately.
Assemble and dress just before serving for the freshest result.
Warm Up:
No reheating needed—this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Why is my avocado browning?
Toss the avocado pieces in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad to help prevent browning.
Can I substitute the white balsamic vinegar?
Yes! If you don’t have white balsamic, regular balsamic vinegar or even champagne vinegar can be used.
Just note that regular balsamic will give a darker color to the dressing.
What if I don’t have mozzarella pearls?
You can dice fresh mozzarella balls or even crumble in some goat cheese or feta for a different twist.
Can I use a different nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios would be delicious alternatives to pecans.
Tips and Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this into a full meal.
- Swap the romaine for mixed greens or baby spinach for a softer base.
- Toss in a few raspberries or blackberries for even more summer berry flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of chia seeds or hemp hearts for extra nutrition and texture.
- Use candied pecans for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve this salad alongside grilled meats, seafood, or veggie skewers for a fresh, summery meal.
- Pair with a chilled rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing drink option.
- It’s perfect for brunches, garden parties, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners.
Nutritional Information
This Summer Peach Salad is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats.
The peaches and blueberries provide a boost of vitamin C and powerful antioxidants, while avocado adds heart-healthy fats.
It’s a nourishing, balanced dish that’s as good for you as it is delicious.
Summer Peach Salad
Description
Make this fresh Summer Peach Salad with juicy peaches, blueberries, avocado, and a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for brunch, picnics, and easy summer dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
-
1 cup fresh blueberries
-
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
-
½ red onion, thinly sliced
-
1 cup chopped pecans
-
¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
-
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
-
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
-
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
-
â…“ cup olive oil
-
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the diced peaches, fresh blueberries, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pecans, chopped mint, mozzarella pearls, and chopped romaine lettuce.
Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and granulated sugar.
Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly without mashing the delicate fruits.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with a little extra mint or a sprinkle of chopped pecans if desired.
It’s best enjoyed fresh when the textures and flavors are at their peak.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh:
This salad is best eaten immediately after tossing with the vinaigrette.
If you need to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate and refrigerate the undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Make Ahead:
You can prep all the salad components ahead of time—dice the peaches, slice the onions, chop the pecans—and store them separately.
Assemble and dress just before serving for the freshest result.
Warm Up:
No reheating needed—this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
This Summer Peach Salad is a celebration of everything that’s best about the season—sweet, juicy fruits, crisp greens, creamy cheese, and a bright vinaigrette.
It’s fresh, colorful, and full of textures that make every bite interesting.
If you try new twists or have questions about making it your own, I’d love to hear all about it!
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If you make this Summer Peach Salad, leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Save this recipe for your next picnic, brunch, or summer party, and share it with a friend who loves fresh, vibrant salads.
Let’s keep making beautiful, delicious meals together!