This Easy Peach Feta Salad is a refreshing delight! Juicy peaches, creamy feta, and crisp greens come together to create a tasty mix that’s perfect for any meal.
It’s like summer in a bowl! I love tossing it together in just minutes—a great way to enjoy sweet and salty bites while pretending I’m a salad chef. 🍑🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the sweetness and juiciness. If peaches aren’t in season, try nectarines or even pears for a different flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a variety of colors for visual appeal and flavor. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, any small tomato will work. You could even use diced larger tomatoes, just remove excess juice.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice crunch and sharpness. If you prefer milder flavors, use green onions or shallots instead.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a nice creamy tang. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu marinated in a bit of lemon juice and salt for a similar taste.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds fragrant freshness. If you don’t have fresh, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but fresh makes a big difference.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Stays Fresh?
To keep your salad fresh and vibrant, follow these tips:
- Wash produce just before using to avoid sogginess. Wet veggies can wilt greens prematurely.
- Store leftovers without dressing. Keep the salad components separate and add dressing only before serving.
- Use acid, like lemon juice, as it helps preserve color in fruits and veggies.
With these tricks, your salad will be a fresh hit every time!
Easy Peach Feta Salad with Fresh Flavor
Ingredients
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (mixed colors), halved
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a light lunch or a side dish to any meal!
Instructions
1. Wash and Prepare the Produce:
Start by washing and drying all your fresh produce. Make sure everything is clean and ready to go—this will keep your salad fresh and tasty!
2. Slice the Peaches and Tomatoes:
Carefully pit and slice the peaches into crescent shapes. Next, take your cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. This will help them mix well with the other ingredients.
3. Slice the Onion and Basil:
Thinly slice the red onion and chiffonade the (thinly slice) fresh basil leaves. You’ll want these to be small so they blend nicely into the salad.
4. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the peach slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. This forms the base of your salad.
5. Add Oil and Lemon:
Now, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice over your salad mix. This will add flavor and help everything stick together.
6. Toss the Salad:
Gently toss everything together so that all the pieces are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the peaches—keep them nice and intact!
7. Add Feta and Basil:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced basil over the top of the salad. These fresh additions will give your salad a delicious creaminess and flavor boost.
8. Season to Taste:
Finally, season your salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it one last gentle toss to mix in the seasoning.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Peach Feta Salad immediately and enjoy the fresh, sweet, and tangy flavors! Perfect for a sunny day or any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Peach Feta Salad
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches are best for this salad, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess syrup and cut them into slices. Keep in mind they may be softer in texture.
What If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, which offers a similar creaminess, or even crumbled queso fresco for a slightly different taste. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based feta cheese.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
If preparing in advance, keep the salad ingredients (peaches, tomatoes, onion, basil, and feta) separate from the dressing. Combine everything only when you’re ready to serve to keep the salad fresh and prevent wilting.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other ingredients like arugula, spinach, or nuts (like walnuts or almonds) for added crunch. You can also add a splash of balsamic glaze for extra flavor!
