Refreshing Peach Arugula Salad Recipe for Summer Enjoyment

Sunlight dances through peach arugula salad ingredients scattered across my rustic kitchen counter.

Sweet summer produce creates unexpected magic when combined thoughtfully.

Crisp arugula leaves provide a peppery foundation for juicy peach slices.

Delicate flavors interplay like a gentle culinary symphony.

Fresh herbs and bright vinaigrette will awaken your palate with surprising depth.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Peach Arugula Salad With A Peppery Bite

• Savor Summer Simplicity: Quick, No-Fuss Salad Creation captures the essence of this delightful recipe.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Toss ingredients together in just 10 minutes, making this salad perfect for spontaneous meal preparation without complex techniques or lengthy cooking times.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet peaches, peppery arugula, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts for a dynamic taste profile that surprises and delights the palate in every single bite.
• Versatile Gathering Gem: Ideal for casual summer lunches, picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish that impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

What Goes Into Peach Arugula Salad

• Peaches: Sweet summer fruit that adds juicy flavor and soft texture to the salad, ripe and firm peaches work best.
• Arugula: Peppery green base of the salad, fresh and crisp leaves provide a robust flavor.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, tangy bite and crunchy texture, thinly sliced for balanced distribution.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional herb that brings bright, aromatic freshness to the dish.

• Goat Cheese, Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds richness and sharp flavor, crumbled for even distribution.
• Pecans, Walnuts: Toasted nuts provide crunch, nutty flavor, and healthy fats to the salad.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth base for the dressing, high-quality oil enhances overall flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness and depth to the dressing.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps balance the vinegar's acidity.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.

Peach Arugula Salad Prep Instructions

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Grab a cutting board and knife.

Slice ripe, juicy peaches into thin wedges.

Roughly chop red onions into delicate slivers.

Crumble your favorite cheese (like feta or goat cheese).

Toast nuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Fresh Salad Components

• Sliced peaches
• Fresh arugula leaves
• Crumbled cheese
• Toasted nuts
• Thinly sliced red onions

Step 3: Add Optional Herb Boost

If you love extra flavor, tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them into the salad mixture.

Step 4: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until ingredients are smoothly combined.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the vibrant dressing over the salad.

Use gentle tossing motions to coat ingredients evenly.

Serve immediately while ingredients are crisp and fresh.

Enjoy this light, summery salad as a refreshing side or quick lunch.

Pro Ideas for Easy Peach Arugula Salad

• Use ripe but firm peaches and cut them into thin, even slices for the best texture and visual appeal.
• Swap feta or goat cheese with blue cheese or ricotta for different flavor profiles that complement the sweet peaches.
• Massage arugula gently with a splash of olive oil to soften its peppery bite and make it more tender.
• Let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes before drizzling to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
• Watch nuts closely while toasting to prevent burning, stirring frequently for even golden-brown color and maximum crunch.

Easy Peach Arugula Salad Storing Instructions

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy leaves.
• Place arugula, peaches, cheese, and nuts in different containers to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
• Before eating leftovers, let salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and gently toss with a bit of fresh dressing to revive flavors.
• Do not freeze this salad as peaches and arugula will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.

Pair with Easy Peach Arugula Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's bright peach and peppery arugula flavors.
• Balance with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a chilled sparkling rosé to enhance the sweet and tangy notes of the peaches and balsamic dressing.
• Elevate with Prosecco: Opt for a dry Prosecco that cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds a refreshing effervescence to the salad.
• Match with Goat Cheese Crostini: Serve alongside toasted bread topped with creamy goat cheese to provide a crunchy texture and complementary flavor profile.

Easy Peach Arugula Salad Recipe Tasty Mix-Ins

• Vegan Peach Delight: Replace cheese with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast. Use maple syrup instead of honey for plant-based sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Fresh Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Swap nuts with sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.
• Herb-Infused Summer Salad: Experiment with mint or parsley instead of basil. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Reduce honey quantity or use stevia. Include grilled salmon or roasted turkey for increased protein content.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the crumbled cheese with goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese to create different flavor profiles.

• Are peaches essential for this salad?

Fresh, ripe peaches provide the best taste, but you can substitute with nectarines or plums during different seasons.

• How do I know if my peaches are ripe?

Gently press the peach; if it yields slightly and has a sweet aroma, it’s ready to use in the salad.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and prevent wilting.

Easy Peach Arugula Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet summer peach arugula salad dances with peppery greens and juicy fruit. Crisp ingredients blend Mediterranean flavors that welcome cool refreshment on warm afternoons you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
• 6 cups fresh arugula
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)

Cheese and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Assemble a refreshing medley of vibrant peach slices, peppery arugula, crumbled cheese, toasted nuts, and thinly sliced red onion in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Enhance the salad’s aromatic profile by delicately tearing fresh basil leaves and scattering them across the colorful mixture.
3. Craft a harmonious vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, golden honey, zesty Dijon mustard, and a precise balance of salt and pepper in a compact mixing bowl.
4. Gracefully cascade the meticulously prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, employing a gentle folding technique to ensure each component becomes elegantly coated without bruising the delicate leaves.
5. Present the salad immediately to preserve its crisp textures and bright flavors, allowing diners to savor the dynamic interplay of sweet, tangy, and peppery notes.

Notes

• Swap arugula with spinach or mixed greens for a milder flavor profile if you find arugula too peppery.
• Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
• Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best taste and sweetness, preferably from local farmers’ markets during peak summer season.
• Prepare dressing separately and store in a sealed container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg