Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe
While summer peaches and spinach might take the center stage, the ensemble that accompanies them can elevate your dish to new heights.
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 292kcal
- 1/2 small red onion finely sliced paper-thin
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- 4 to 6 cups fresh organic baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 2 ripe peaches thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sunflower seeds
- 1 ripe avocado cubed
- 1/2 cup crumbled chèvre goat cheese
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 3 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard
- 1 to 2 teaspoons pure honey or maple syrup for sweetness
- Freshly cracked salt and black pepper to taste
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll want everything sliced and ready to toss. Start with the red onion; the thinner the slices, the milder the flavor.
Next, chop your basil and toast your sliced almonds and sunflower seeds lightly in a pan until golden. Just a few minutes should suffice. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
Step 2: Combine Your Greens
Step 3: Add the Layering Ingredients
Now, it’s time to layer on your flavors. Start by adding the sliced peaches, crumbled goat cheese, and those lovely, toasted almonds. Follow with the cubed avocado and sunflower seeds.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and the honey or maple syrup. Whisk it all together until it’s emulsified. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
- Choose Ripe Fruit: The hallmark of a great peach salad is ripe peaches. Look for peaches that give slightly when pressed.
- Don’t Skimp on Toasting Nuts: Toasted nuts enhance flavor and texture. A few minutes in a hot pan can take them from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: Taste the dressing after mixing. Adjust the sweetness to suit your palate as peaches may vary in sweetness.
- Go Fresh with Herbs: Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch that really makes this salad pop. If basil isn’t your thing, try mint instead!
- Chill Before Serving: If time permits, let the salad chill for 30 minutes before serving. It allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving: 148g | Calories: 292kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4.4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 153mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g