If you are searching for a delightful dish that sparkles with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Fresh Peach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Goat Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe peaches, the crunch of toasted almonds, and the creamy tang of goat cheese, all tied together with a luscious balsamic dressing. This salad is a celebration of textures and colors, making it a fantastic light meal or a beautiful side dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this salad just right means using simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the crisp mixed greens to the rich, nutty almonds, every component enhances the overall harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds: Toasted to add a warm, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft peaches and goat cheese.
- 6 to 8 cups mixed greens: A mix of butter lettuce and other greens provides a crisp, fresh base with varying textures and flavors.
- 3 small (or 2 large) ripe peaches: The star ingredient offering juicy sweetness and vibrant color that define this salad.
- 1 handful of red onion slices: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy bite to balance the sweetness of the peaches.
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained: Adds a subtle, natural sweetness and a pop of yellow that brightens the salad.
- 2 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled: Brings creamy tanginess, contrasting the fruits and nuts perfectly.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Infuses the dressing with a deep, slightly sweet acidity that enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle heat and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Provides a subtle layer of sweetness, making the dressing irresistible.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a mild spice and complexity to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Brings richness and silky smoothness to the dressing, ensuring every bite is luscious.
How to Make Fresh Peach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Goat Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced almonds and gently toast them by shaking the pan and stirring often with a wooden spoon. Keep an eye on them; once they’re golden brown and fragrant—which takes about 4 to 5 minutes—remove them from the heat immediately. This will prevent them from burning while capturing their nutty aroma perfectly. Transfer them to a plate and let them cool.
Step 2: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients
While the almonds cool, slice your ripe peaches thinly so that each bite gives a burst of sweetness. Next, slice the red onion as thin as possible to keep its sharpness from overpowering the salad, instead adding just the right amount of zing.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper together. Keep whisking until the dressing thickens and emulsifies beautifully, becoming glossy and ready to coat your ingredients evenly with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble Your Salad
Lay your mixed greens on a large serving dish or distribute them into individual bowls. Top with the sliced peaches, toasted almonds, red onions, crumbled goat cheese, and corn. Then, drizzle your homemade dressing generously over the top. Give it a gentle toss if you like, or serve as is to maintain visual appeal.
How to Serve Fresh Peach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Goat Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint to enhance freshness. A few extra whole toasted almonds or thin peach slices on top make the salad look stunning while adding subtle textures.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs marvelously with grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal. Its bright acidity and creamy cheese complement heartier mains, making it ideal for summer dinners or classy brunches.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad layered in clear glass bowls or mason jars for a gorgeous presentation that shows off the beautiful colors. Alternatively, plate it on rustic wooden boards for a picnic vibe or use large lettuce leaves as edible “bowls” for an elegant, bite-sized appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salad, it’s best to store the components separately. Keep the greens and peach slices refrigerated in airtight containers, and stash the dressing in its own jar. Toasted almonds are best kept in a small container at room temperature to preserve their crunch.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh ingredients and texture differences after thawing. If you want to save time, freeze the dressing separately (without oil, if possible), but fresh peaches and greens should always be used fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it as a refreshing cold dish for optimal crunch and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios can add different textures and flavors, but almonds offer the perfect mild nuttiness and crunch that pairs beautifully with peaches and goat cheese.
What if I can’t find ripe peaches?
If peaches are not in season, nectarines or even ripe plums can work well as substitutes, providing similar sweetness and juiciness to your salad.
Is goat cheese essential for this recipe?
While goat cheese adds a lovely creamy tang, you can substitute it with feta or skip the cheese for a dairy-free option. The salad remains delicious with or without it!
Can I prepare the salad in advance for a party?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to toss everything together just before serving to keep the peaches fresh and the greens crisp.
How do I adjust the dressing if I want it less sweet?
Simply reduce the maple syrup quantity or omit it altogether. You can also add a touch more balsamic vinegar to maintain a balanced flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Peach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Goat Cheese Recipe is a true joy to make and enjoy, capturing the essence of summer in every bite. Its wonderful combination of fresh, crunchy, and creamy elements makes it a go-to recipe for quick meals or special occasions. I encourage you to try it soon and watch how it brightens your table and delights your taste buds!
Print
Fresh Peach Salad with Toasted Almonds and Goat Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Fresh Peach Salad combining sweet ripe peaches, crunchy toasted almonds, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy homemade balsamic dressing, perfect for a quick 15-minute healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 6 to 8 cups mixed greens (butter lettuce and other greens)
- 3 small (or 2 large) ripe peaches
- 1 handful red onion slices
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained (or fresh or grilled corn)
- 2 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Toast the almonds: Place the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan and stir often with a wooden spoon until the nuts are fragrant and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove immediately from heat to prevent burning and transfer to a plate.
- Prep the fresh ingredients: Slice the peaches thinly. Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings as preferred.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a thick, emulsified dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or serving platter, layer the mixed greens as the base. Top with the sliced peaches, toasted almonds, red onion slices, crumbled goat cheese, and drained corn.
- Dress and serve: Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently if desired or serve as is for a colorful presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh flavors.
Notes
- Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and crunch, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use ripe peaches for the best sweetness and texture.
- Dressing can be adjusted by adding more maple syrup for sweetness or more mustard for tanginess.
- Fresh grilled corn adds a smoky flavor and can be used in place of canned corn.
- This salad is best served fresh and not stored after adding dressing to prevent sogginess.
