Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe

The Juiciest Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe Ever

On a lazy summer afternoon, peach spinach salad brings unexpected magic to your plate.

Sweet fragrant fruits dance with crisp green leaves in a delightful symphony.

Seasonal ingredients create a refreshing blend that surprises and delights.

Juicy peaches offer a natural sweetness complementing earthy spinach perfectly.

Bright colors and vibrant textures make this dish a feast for the eyes.

Light yet satisfying, this salad promises to become your new warm-weather favorite.

Trust me, you’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this incredible combination.

FAQs

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

No, prepare just before serving to keep spinach crisp and prevent avocado from browning. Mix dressing separately and add right before eating for best texture.

  • Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from spinach, healthy fats from avocado, protein from almonds, and antioxidants from peaches. A nutrient-dense, balanced meal option.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

Sure! Replace goat cheese with feta, swap almonds for pecans, use different vinegar like apple cider vinegar. The recipe is flexible and forgiving.

  • How do I toast almonds for this recipe?

Simply spread sliced almonds on a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Peach Spinach Salad With Crisp Sweet Notes

  • Quick and Easy Summer Delight: This refreshing salad combines minimal effort with maximum flavor in just minutes.
  • Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with spinach, peaches, and avocado, the recipe delivers a nutritional boost that supports overall health and wellness.
  • Perfect Seasonal Showcase: Highlights summer's best produce with vibrant, fresh ingredients that capture the essence of warm, sunny days.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for multiple occasions from casual lunch to elegant dinner party, appealing to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need In A Peach Spinach Salad

Greens:
  • Organic Spinach: Fresh, nutrient-packed base for the salad with vibrant green color and tender leaves.
Fruit and Vegetables:
  • Peaches, Avocado, Red Onion: Sweet summer peaches add juicy freshness, creamy avocado provides richness, and thin red onion slices bring sharp, tangy contrast.
Protein and Crunch Toppings:
  • Goat Cheese, Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that adds richness and can be easily substituted; choose fresh, high-quality cheese.
  • Toasted Almonds: Crunchy, nutty topping that provides texture and subtle earthy flavor; preferably raw almonds toasted just before serving.
Vinaigrette Base:
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil that forms the smooth base of the dressing; choose cold-pressed for best flavor.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Rich, slightly sweet vinegar that adds depth and complexity to the dressing.
Vinaigrette Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Fresh clove that adds sharp, aromatic note to the vinaigrette.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides slight tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • Sugar, Maple Syrup, Honey: Optional sweeteners to balance vinaigrette's acidity.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing all flavors in the salad and dressing.

Summer Peach Spinach Salad Instructions

Step 1: Create Vibrant Salad Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and artfully layer fresh organic spinach leaves as your green canvas.

Lovingly arrange these colorful ingredients:
  • Ripe peaches, sliced into delicate half-moons
  • Creamy avocado, diced into soft cubes
  • Crisp red onion, sliced paper-thin
  • Tangy goat cheese crumbles
  • Crunchy toasted almonds, beautifully sliced

Gently combine these ingredients with a light touch, allowing each element to shine.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Balsamic Dressing

In a small mixing jar or bowl, whisk together a symphony of flavors:
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Rich balsamic vinegar
  • Freshly minced garlic
  • Smooth Dijon mustard
  • Optional honey or maple syrup for subtle sweetness

Sprinkle in freshly ground salt and black pepper, blending until the dressing becomes a harmonious mixture.

Step 3: Dress and Toss Salad

Drizzle the vibrant balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.

Use a delicate folding motion to coat each ingredient without bruising the tender spinach leaves.

Ensure every bite will be packed with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Transfer the salad to serving plates immediately.

The combination of crisp textures and bright flavors will create a refreshing dining experience that celebrates summer’s bounty.

Helpful Hints for Summer Peach Spinach Salad

  • Adjust the optional sweetener based on peach ripeness. Ripe, sweet peaches might need less honey or maple syrup, while slightly tart peaches benefit from a touch more sweetness.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal that turns this salad into a complete protein-packed lunch or dinner option.
  • Toss avocado chunks in a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh and green in the salad.
  • Prepare vinaigrette and chop ingredients separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent wilting of spinach leaves.
  • Experiment with different stone fruits like nectarines or plums when peaches aren't in peak season to keep the salad versatile and exciting.

How To Chill Summer Peach Spinach Salad Properly

  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
  • Remove avocado and store separately to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
  • Best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal taste and crisp texture of spinach and almonds.
  • Before serving, gently toss salad and add fresh almonds for extra crunch if needed.

Ideas That Go with Summer Peach Spinach Salad

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's delicate peach and creamy goat cheese flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the fresh ingredients.
  • Elevate with Sparkling Water Twist: Add a zesty citrus-infused sparkling water like lemon or lime to brighten the salad's profile, providing a palate-cleansing effect and adding a subtle effervescent touch to the meal.
  • Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside a light grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp to transform the salad into a complete, protein-packed summer meal that balances the salad's sweet and tangy elements.
  • Complete with Crusty Bread: Include a slice of rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the remaining balsamic vinaigrette, adding a satisfying textural contrast and making the dish more filling.

Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe Salad Style Alternatives

  • Vegan Peach Delight: Replace goat cheese with roasted cashew crumbles and use maple syrup as a sweetener in the dressing for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Garden Fresh: Swap almonds with pumpkin seeds to ensure complete gluten-free compliance while maintaining a crunchy texture.
  • Protein Power Salad: Add grilled chicken or seared tofu strips to transform the light salad into a more substantial meal with increased protein content.
  • Low-Carb Peach Spin: Substitute peaches with lower-carb berries like strawberries and reduce vinaigrette sweetener for a keto-friendly alternative.
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Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe

Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

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

Description

Delightful Summer Peach Spinach Salad blends sweet Georgia peaches with crisp spinach leaves, creating a refreshing symphony of seasonal flavors. Fragrant herbs, tangy goat cheese, and candied pecans elevate this light, elegant dish that promises to charm your palate with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 46 cups organic spinach
  • 2 large peaches, sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles (or substitute with feta)
  • 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
  • 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced

Vinaigrette Base:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Sweetener and Seasoning:

  • 12 teaspoons sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey
  • Freshly ground salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Assemble the vibrant salad base by layering crisp organic spinach leaves as the foundation, creating a verdant backdrop for the colorful ingredients.
  2. Artfully arrange juicy sliced peaches atop the spinach, interspersing them with creamy diced avocado chunks for a luxurious texture contrast.
  3. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onion across the salad, adding a sharp, pungent note that complements the sweet peaches and rich avocado.
  4. Scatter tangy goat cheese crumbles generously over the salad, providing a creamy and slightly acidic element to the dish.
  5. Enhance the salad’s complexity by dispersing sliced toasted almonds, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
  6. Craft the balsamic vinaigrette by combining extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, finely minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a small mixing vessel.
  7. If desired, incorporate a touch of sweetener to balance the vinaigrette’s acidity, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  8. Season the dressing with freshly ground salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  9. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, using a gentle tossing motion to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  10. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp textures and vibrant ingredients, presenting a refreshing and elegant summer dish.

Notes

  • Swap spinach with kale or arugula for a different nutritional profile and peppery taste.
  • Toast almonds in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch before adding to the salad.
  • Use maple syrup or honey as a natural sweetener in the vinaigrette for balanced acidity and depth of flavor.
  • Store dressing separately from salad ingredients to prevent wilting and maintain crisp textures until serving time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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