This salad combines sweet peaches, tart blackberries, and crisp greens for a refreshing balance of flavors and textures. It’s light yet satisfying, easy to customize, and packed with seasonal ingredients. The bright fruit pairs beautifully with creamy cheese and crunchy toppings, creating a beautiful salad that tastes as good as it looks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mixed salad greens
Fresh peaches
Blackberries
Red onion
Feta cheese or goat cheese
Candied pecans or walnuts
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Honey
Dijon mustard
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh basil or mint
Directions
Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly.
Slice the peaches and thinly slice the red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Arrange the greens on a serving platter or in a large salad bowl.
Top with peaches, blackberries, red onion, cheese, and candied nuts.
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
Garnish with fresh basil or mint before serving.
Toss gently just before serving for the best texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Total time: About 15 minutes
Variations
Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Use blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries instead of blackberries.
Swap feta for burrata or blue cheese.
Add avocado for extra creaminess.
Use a citrus vinaigrette instead of balsamic dressing.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Avoid dressing the salad until ready to serve to keep the greens crisp.
FAQs
What greens work best for this salad?
Mixed greens, arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce all work well.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is best for texture and presentation, but thawed frozen fruit can work if necessary.
What cheese pairs best with peaches?
Feta, goat cheese, burrata, and blue cheese pair beautifully with peaches.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian.
Can I add protein?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon are excellent additions.
How do I keep peaches from browning?
Slice them shortly before serving or lightly toss with lemon juice.
What nuts work best?
Candied pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all add great crunch.
Can I use another dressing?
Yes, poppy seed dressing or citrus vinaigrette are delicious alternatives.
Is this salad good for parties?
Yes, it’s colorful, refreshing, and perfect for summer entertaining.
Conclusion
Summer Salad with Peaches and Blackberries is a bright and refreshing dish bursting with seasonal flavor. The sweet fruit, crisp greens, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts come together beautifully in every bite. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this salad is a perfect addition to warm-weather meals and gatherings.
Summer Salad with Peaches and Blackberries is a fresh and colorful salad made with juicy peaches, sweet blackberries, crisp greens, creamy cheese, and crunchy candied nuts tossed in a light balsamic dressing. This refreshing summer salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, lunches, and seasonal gatherings.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Yield:4 to 6 servings
Category:Side Dish / Salad
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
6 cups mixed salad greens
2 fresh peaches, sliced
1 cup fresh blackberries
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup feta cheese or goat cheese
½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or mint for garnish
Instructions
Wash and thoroughly dry the salad greens.
Slice the peaches and thinly slice the red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter or in a salad bowl.
Top with sliced peaches, blackberries, red onion, feta or goat cheese, and candied nuts.
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
Garnish with fresh basil or mint.
Toss gently just before serving.
Notes
Arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce all work beautifully in this salad.Burrata or blue cheese can be substituted for feta or goat cheese.Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for extra protein.Fresh fruit provides the best texture and flavor.Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain crisp greens.
