Description
This Peach Arugula Salad is a fresh, vibrant summer salad made with juicy ripe peaches, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, toasted nuts, and a simple honey-balsamic dressing. It’s quick, elegant, and perfect as a light lunch or beautiful side dish for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 6 cups fresh arugula
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine arugula, sliced peaches, crumbled goat cheese (or feta), toasted pecans (or walnuts), red onion, and basil if using. - Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated. - Serve:
Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture.
- Toasting the nuts enhances flavor and adds extra crunch.
- If red onion tastes too strong, soak slices in cold water for 5–10 minutes before adding.
- For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
- Best served fresh; store dressing separately if prepping ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg