A Sweet & Savory Salad That Screams Summer!
Kitchies! There’s something magical about juicy peaches, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese all coming together in a salad. This Toasted Pecan Peach Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, making it a must-have for summer picnics, brunches, or light lunches.
This salad is all about freshness—ripe peaches bring natural sweetness, pecans add a delightful crunch, and the honey-balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Whether you serve it on its own, with grilled chicken, or as a side dish, it’s a refreshing change from your usual leafy greens.
Why You’ll Love This Toasted Pecan Peach Salad
- Sweet & savory – The perfect contrast of flavors in every bite.
- Crunchy & creamy – Toasted pecans and creamy cheese add rich texture.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a main, a side, or with your favorite protein.
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 10 minutes!
Cuisine: American / Southern
Tips for the Best Peach Salad
- Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor—if they’re too firm, let them sit at room temperature for a day or two.
- Toast the pecans to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Chill the dressing for 10 minutes before serving for a refreshing touch.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Substitutions and Variations
- Make it nut-free – Swap pecans for sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Try a citrus twist – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to the dressing.
- Use different cheese – Try blue cheese or shaved Parmesan instead of goat cheese.
- Swap peaches for nectarines – Just as sweet and delicious!
Make a Healthier Version
- Reduce the oil – Use half olive oil and half Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Skip the honey – Replace it with a sugar-free sweetener for a low-carb version.
- Use low-fat cheese – Swap regular goat cheese for a lighter option.
And There You Have It!
This Toasted Pecan Peach Salad is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make—the perfect dish for any summer gathering. Whether you serve it as a side or a main, it’s sure to be a hit.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to check out my other delicious salad recipes for more inspiration.
Relevant Categories
- Salad
- Side Dish
- Healthy Recipes
- Vegetarian
Tags:
#HealthyEating #PeachSalad #QuickRecipes #SummerSalad #Vegetarian
Print
Toasted Pecan Peach Salad
Description
This salad is all about freshness—ripe peaches bring natural sweetness, pecans add a delightful crunch, and the honey-balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, peaches, toasted pecans, and red onion together.
- Drizzle with the honey-balsamic dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors in every bite!
