Ah, summer—a time when the world feels like it’s drenched in sunlight and everything slows down a bit, doesn’t it? And what better way to embrace the lazy days than with a salad that’s as refreshing as a gentle breeze? This peach salad is like a burst of sunlight on your plate, mixing sweet, juicy peaches with the crispness of fresh greens. It’s a simple pleasure, like finding a forgotten $5 bill in your pocket.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Begin assembling the salad by placing a layer of spinach or your preferred greens in a large salad bowl.
- Arrange sliced peaches and avocados over the bed of spinach.
- Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans to the salad for added flavor and texture.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients.
- Finish by topping the salad with fresh basil leaves torn into smaller pieces for a burst of herby freshness.
Ingredients
- 3 cups baby spinach, slightly chopped
- 3 large peaches, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 604mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 2669IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can this peach salad be prepared in advance?
- While it’s best to serve this salad immediately after making it to prevent the spinach from wilting, you can prepare the salad components a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving for the best results.
- What can I add to this salad to make it a complete meal?
- To turn this salad into a full meal, consider adding protein-rich toppings like Oven Baked Chicken Breast, Grilled Shrimp, or chickpeas.
- How can I make this peach salad vegan?
- To make this salad vegan, substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup and omit the feta cheese.
- What are some good alternative nuts for this salad?
- If you prefer a different nut or don’t have pecans on hand, walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives that will also add a nice texture to the salad.
- How long does the salad dressing last?
- The sweet red wine vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, making it a convenient option for other salads throughout the week.
Tips
- Select perfectly ripe peaches for optimal flavor. Gently squeeze them; they should yield slightly under pressure, indicating they are ready to use.
- Ensure your greens are thoroughly washed and dried. Use a salad spinner or pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture that can make your salad soggy.
- For a vegan option, replace honey in the dressing with maple syrup and omit the feta cheese.
- Prepare extra salad dressing to use with other dishes. The sweet red wine vinaigrette can be stored for up to a week, making it a versatile addition to your meals.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for washing and drying greens thoroughly.
- Large Salad Bowl – Essential for assembling and serving the salad.
- Whisk – Needed for mixing the dressing ingredients together.
