Sunny Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe for Fresh Enjoyment

Crisp summer spinach salad bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your plate.

Juicy peaches complement the tender green leaves with unexpected charm.

Sweet and tangy notes intertwine, creating a refreshing medley of taste sensations.

Delicate spinach provides a nutritious foundation for this light, elegant dish.

Local farmers’ markets inspire the freshest seasonal ingredients in this simple preparation.

Colorful and light, the salad promises a delightful culinary adventure that celebrates summer bounty.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delectable creation.

Variations to Try on Summer Peach Spinach Salad

• Vegan Delight: Replace goat cheese with crumbled tofu or vegan feta. Swap honey with maple syrup for a fully plant-based version.
• Protein Power Salad: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Incorporate quinoa or roasted chickpeas to boost nutritional value.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute candied pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Use roasted seeds for added crunch and flavor.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Remove dried cranberries and replace with cucumber slices. Use a sugar-free honey alternative or stevia in the dressing for reduced carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for Summer Peach Spinach Salad

• Fresh Picnic Platter: Arrange the salad on a large wooden board with charcuterie, crusty bread, and additional pecans for a stunning summer gathering spread.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or seared salmon to transform it into a complete and satisfying main course meal.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Complement the salad's sweet and tangy flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé for an elegant dining experience.
• Leftovers Lunch Hack: Pack the dressing separately to keep ingredients fresh, then mix just before eating for a delicious portable lunch option at work or picnics.

Storage Advice for Summer Peach Spinach Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Store cheese, nuts, and dressing in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness and crispness of ingredients.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, let salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and gently toss to redistribute flavors.
• Do not freeze this salad, as spinach, avocado, and fresh peaches will lose texture and become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

• Are candied pecans necessary for this salad?

Candied pecans add a delightful sweet crunch, but you can substitute with regular toasted pecans or another nut like almonds if preferred.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare just before serving to keep spinach crisp and prevent avocado from browning. Prep ingredients separately and combine right before eating.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from spinach, peaches, avocado, and nuts, offering a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

• How can I make the dressing more tangy?

Increase the amount of balsamic vinegar or add a splash of fresh lemon juice to enhance the dressing’s brightness and tang.

Summer Peach Spinach Salad That’s Light and Delicious

• Craft Quick Delightful Meal: Toss together this vibrant salad in mere minutes, perfect for busy individuals seeking a nutritious and flavorful lunch or dinner option.
• Celebrate Fresh Seasonal Ingredients: Showcase summer's bounty with ripe peaches, crisp spinach, and colorful toppings that bring natural sweetness and incredible texture to every bite.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Plate: Pack your meal with antioxidants from spinach, healthy fats from avocado and pecans, and protein from goat cheese, creating a well-balanced and energizing dish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs, making this salad incredibly versatile for different tastes and accommodating various eating styles.

Ingredients for Summer Peach Spinach Salad

• Baby Spinach: Fresh green leaves that provide a nutritious foundation for the summer salad.
• Peach Slices: Sweet and juicy fruit that adds a seasonal summer flavor.
• Avocado: Creamy ingredient that contributes healthy fats and rich texture.

• Goat Cheese: Tangy soft cheese that provides a creamy contrast to the salad.
• Candied Pecans: Crunchy sweet nuts that offer a delightful textural element.

• Red Onion, Dried Cranberries: Ingredients that bring sharp and tart flavor notes to the salad.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar: Smooth base liquids that create a balanced vinaigrette.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out the dressing's flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Zesty condiment that helps emulsify and enhance the dressing.

• Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that provides a bright, aromatic garnish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the salad's flavors.

How to Toss Summer Peach Spinach Salad Perfectly

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Wash and pat dry baby spinach leaves.

Cut ripe peaches into delicate wedges.

Dice red onion into thin slivers.

Crumble creamy goat cheese.

Chop fresh avocado into bite-sized cubes.

• Baby spinach
• Peach slices
• Red onion
• Goat cheese
• Avocado

Step 2: Create Zesty Vinaigrette

In a small mixing bowl, blend smooth olive oil with tangy balsamic vinegar.

Whisk in golden honey for sweetness.

Add smooth Dijon mustard for depth.

Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Stir until ingredients transform into a silky, cohesive dressing.

Step 3: Assemble Vibrant Salad

Gently place spinach leaves as the salad foundation.

Artfully arrange peach slices, red onion, goat cheese, and avocado across the greens.

Sprinkle candied pecans and dried cranberries for delightful crunch and sweetness.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle prepared vinaigrette over the salad.

Use soft tongs to delicately mix ingredients, ensuring every component gets a light coating of dressing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Scatter chopped fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of aromatic flavor.

Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at peak freshness and texture.

Pro Tips for Fresh and Flavorful Peach Spinach Salad

• Replace candied pecans with toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for a different nutty flavor and texture.
• Add diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its creamy texture.
• Chop ingredients and store separately in sealed containers, mixing dressing and salad just before serving to keep spinach crisp.
• Reduce honey in dressing for a more tangy profile or use agave nectar for a lighter sweetness.
• Grill chicken or shrimp and add on top to transform this salad into a complete meal with extra protein.

Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful summer peach spinach salad showcases fresh ingredients dancing with sweet and tangy flavors. Crisp spinach leaves pair perfectly with juicy peaches, creating a refreshing meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 3 large ripe peaches, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

Cheese and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Artfully arrange crisp baby spinach leaves as a vibrant green foundation in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Layer succulent peach slices across the spinach, creating a delicate geometric pattern.
3. Crumble tangy goat cheese over the fruit, allowing irregular chunks to cascade randomly.
4. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onion for a sharp, aromatic contrast.
5. Scatter candied pecans to introduce a caramelized, crunchy texture.
6. Distribute dried cranberries for bursts of sweet-tart complexity.
7. Optional: incorporate creamy avocado cubes for additional richness.
8. Prepare vinaigrette by vigorously whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and glossy.
9. Gently drizzle dressing across salad, using delicate tossing motions to ensure even coating without bruising delicate ingredients.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for an herbaceous finishing touch.
11. Serve immediately to preserve optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Massage spinach leaves gently before adding to the salad to soften their texture and reduce bitterness, making them more tender and enjoyable.
• Swap goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles, catering to various taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Toast pecans quickly in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch, elevating the salad’s overall texture and depth.
• Prepare dressing ahead of time and store in a sealed container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and saving preparation time before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 145 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg