Summer Peach Salad

What’s so magical about the way summer sunshine transforms peaches? Is there a way to make them so juicy, so fragrant, and bursting with sweetness that you just have to find ‘the’ way. Celebrate them. What is the best summer peach Salad Recipe? What is a salad like? If you love a classic Caprese salad, with its simple elegance of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, why not try this recipe? If you love peachy twists then you’re absolutely going to adore them. Is it easier to make a Caprese and the flavor combo?

What is a summer peach salad?

Think of it as a fruit salad. What’s a celebration of summer bounty, featuring ripe peaches as the star. What are some good recipes for creamy mozzarella? What’s not to like about this lemony, tangy sauce? What are some of the best herbaceous, sweet, and savory flavors? What’s a salad for summer picnics? What is a good lunch on saturday? What are some of the best flavors to make?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Summer Peach Salad!

Flavor Explosion:Imagine biting into a perfectly ripe peach, its juices mingling with the creamy richness of the peaches. What is the aroma of fresh basil and mozzarella? When the balsamic glaze hits, it ties everything together. Is it a symphony of flavors?
Ridiculously EasyIs this salad easy to make? No cooking involved, just chopping, assembling, and drizzling. What are some of the best recipes for a vegetarian meal? How do you spend your time in the kitchen?
Budget-Friendly:Peaches are often on sale during the summer months, and the other ingredients are relatively inexpensive. How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank? Where can I find good quality mozzarella at the grocery store?
Versatile DelightCan be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light lunch. Is it perfect for summer gatherings? I’ve even been known to enjoy it as a snack straight from the fridge!

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and the way it showcases the natural sweetness. What are the characteristics of peaches? What is it like to celebrate summer? If you enjoy a classic strawberry spinach salad with sage vinaigrette, you’ll find this Summer delicious. What are some good recipes for peach salad?

How to Make Summer Peach Salad

Quick Overview

What is a good summer peach Salad Recipe? What are the best ways to start with peaches and mozzarella (burrata, bocconcini, or even fresh mozzarella)? How do pearls work? ), then arrange them artfully on a platter. Add fresh basil leaves, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and a touch of olive oil. That’s it! What are the best ingredients to make a delicious dessert? What is the difference between a good balsamic glaze and mozzarella? What are some of the best salads to make?

Ingredients

For the Salad:

Is it safe to eat 4 ripe peaches, pitted and Look for peaches that are fragrant and give slightly when gently squeezed. White peaches are lovely too!
8 ounces fresh mozzarella (burrata or bocconcini are my favorite), sliced: Burrata adds a creamy decadence, but any fresh mozzarella will work beautifully.
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Use fresh for the best flavor. Thai basil is a fun twist on Thai food.

For the Balsamic Glaze:

1/4 cup balsamic glaze: 1 cup. How do you make balsamic vinegar? I almost always buy mine!
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality olive for the best flavor.
Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Slice the Peaches

Wash the peaches gently and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, slice them in half, remove the pit, and then slice each half into wedges or slices about 1/4-inch thick. If your peaches are super ripe, they might be a little messy to slice, but that’s okay! The juicier, the better!

Step 2: Slice the Mozzarella

If you’re using burrata, you can simply tear it into smaller pieces with your hands. If you’re using bocconcini or fresh mozzarella, slice them into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. I usually drain the mozzarella from its liquid and gently pat it dry with a paper towel before slicing. This helps prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

Step 3: Arrange on a Platter

Now comes the fun part! Arrange the peach slices and mozzarella on a platter in an alternating pattern. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, so get creative! I like to arrange them in a circular pattern, starting from the outside and working my way in. You can also arrange them in rows or randomly scatter them across the platter.

Step 4: Add Basil

Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the peaches and mozzarella. You can use whole leaves or tear them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. I love the visual appeal of using a mix of both!

Step 5: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. I like to use a spoon to drizzle it evenly, but you can also use a squeeze bottle for more precision. Don’t overdo it with the glaze; a little goes a long way!

Step 6: Add Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad. How do you add a touch of depth to your food? Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste. Is cracked pepper good for you?

Step 7: Serve Immediately

This Summer Peach Salad is best served immediately, while the peaches are still juicy and the mozzarella is still creamy. If you’re not serving it right away, you can assemble the salad and drizzle with the balsamic glaze just before serving.

What should I serve it with?

This Summer Peach Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

For a light lunch:Serve with grilled Chicken Breast or salmon for a healthy lunch. What is the best way to eat the balsamic glaze?

As an appetizer: What This salad is a showstopper appetizer for any summer gathering. Serve it alongside other appetizers like bruschetta, grilled vegetables, or a cheese board.

As a Side Dish:Pair it with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. Is it good with grilled pork tenderloin or roasted chicken?

What is a sweet treat?Can you serve this salad as a dessert? The sweetness of peaches and the tanginess of the balsamic glaze make it a surprisingly savory dish. What are some after-dinner treats I sometimes add a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch.

My family loves this salad served alongside grilled shrimp skewers. The sweetness of peaches complements the smoky flavor of shrimp perfectly! What are some good ways to add goat cheese to your salad?

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Summer Peach Salad

Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect Summer Peach Salad every time:

Peach Perfection: The key to a great Summer Peach Salad is using ripe, juicy peaches. If your peaches are not quite ripe, you can ripen them by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. Avoid using peaches that are too firm or underripe, as they won’t have the same sweetness and flavor. I find that slightly overripe peaches actually work well too because they have a more concentrated sweetness and juice that saturates the salad, making it taste better!

Mozzarella Matters: Opt for fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and texture. Burrata is my personal favorite because it’s incredibly creamy and decadent, but bocconcini or fresh mozzarella pearls are also great options. Be sure to drain the mozzarella from its liquid before slicing to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

Balsamic Bliss: A good quality balsamic glaze is essential for adding that sweet and tangy kick to the salad. You can buy it pre-made or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens. If you’re making your own, be sure to simmer it over low heat to prevent it from burning. I’ve had it happen before where I put it on too high and it’s completely ruined the glaze, giving it a burnt, bitter flavor!

Basil Beauty: Fresh basil is a must for this salad. Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. If you can find it, Thai basil adds a fun and unexpected twist. I usually add the basil just before serving to prevent it from wilting.

Salt Savvy: Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of sea salt to the salad. It might seem counterintuitive, but the salt actually enhances the sweetness of the peaches and the other flavors in the salad. I like to use a coarse sea salt for a little extra texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Summer Peach Salad is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing it at room temperature, as the mozzarella can spoil quickly. Besides, you want the dish to stay as fresh as possible and the temperature in most homes during summer is too high to let this dish sit outside!

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The peaches may release some juice as they sit, so you may want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the peaches and mozzarella will lose their texture and flavor when thawed.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, it’s best to wait to add the balsamic glaze until just before serving. This will prevent the peaches from becoming too soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peaches?

While fresh peaches are definitely the star of this salad, you *could* use canned peaches in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry before adding them to the salad. I would also recommend using peaches packed in juice rather than syrup, as the syrup can make the salad too sweet.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the mozzarella with a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are many great vegan mozzarella options available these days, made from ingredients like cashew nuts or soy. Just be sure to choose one that melts well and has a similar creamy texture to fresh mozzarella.

Can I add other fruits?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add other summer fruits to the salad. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries would be delicious additions. You could also add some sliced melon or even a few grapes. Just be sure to choose fruits that complement the peaches and mozzarella.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can! While fresh mozzarella is the classic choice for this salad, you can experiment with other cheeses. Goat cheese would add a tangy and creamy element, while feta cheese would provide a salty and crumbly texture. Burrata is also incredible – if you haven’t tried it, you absolutely have to! It’s like mozzarella but with a creamy inside that oozes out.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend assembling the salad just before serving. This will prevent the peaches from becoming too soggy and the mozzarella from drying out. You can slice the peaches and mozzarella ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Then, just before serving, arrange them on a platter, add the basil, and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Peach Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of summer’s simple pleasures. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone feeling refreshed and satisfied. With its vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and stunning presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Watermelon Feta Salad – another refreshing and flavorful summer salad that’s perfect for picnics and barbecues. I can’t wait to hear how your salad turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations and tips! Happy salad-making!

No ratings yet