Summer Peach Salad is filled with juicy peaches and fresh blueberries, and topped with a tangy and creamy blueberry peach balsamic dressing. It’s perfect as a side salad for summer grilling, and you only need 9 ingredients to make it, including the dressing!
*This post was originally published in July 2018 and has been updated with new text and photos and a few recipe adjustments.
Peaches are a staple in our house this time of year, and one of my fave ways to enjoy them is in salads. I love how their sweet juiciness mingles with savory ingredients to create light and refreshing salads. And this blueberry peach salad is definitely refreshing!
It’s also topped with an easy balsamic dressing made with fresh peaches and blueberries. It’s creamy, without dairy, and the tanginess pairs well with the juicy fruit and salty feta in the salad.
Ingredients to make summer peach salad
- Fresh peaches and blueberries
- Your choice of greens
- Cilantro
- Cooked quinoa
- Pecans
- Feta
- Balsamic vinegar and oil (for the dressing)
How to make peach blueberry salad with balsamic dressing
- This is an easy recipe to make, and it can be served as a family style salad or in individual servings.
- Start by making your dressing. Add your blueberries, half a peeled peach, oil and vinegar to a blender, and blend on high until thick and creamy with flecks of blueberry throughout.
- To assemble the salad, prep your greens and cilantro (washing and chopping as necessary). Toss them together and add them all to a large bowl or divide them onto 6 serving plates.
- Layer on the peach slices, blueberries, quinoa, pecans and feta.
- Drizzle with dressing and serve!
Frequently asked questions
Can you prep this peach salad in advance? Yes, you can prep most of the salad ingredients in advance and assemble when ready to serve. The balsamic dressing, however, includes fresh peaches and blueberries, so I find it’s best enjoyed fresh. I suggest waiting to make it until just before serving.
How do you store leftovers? If you have leftover salad without dressing on it, you can just place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Leftovers are best enjoyed within a day or two. The dressing should not be kept as leftovers, but enjoyed within a few hours of making it.
Can you make it vegan? Absolutely, just forego the feta cheese and ensure your balsamic vinegar is vegan.
Recipe tips and substitutions
- You will need about 6 cups of greens for this salad. I usually make it with a mix of red and green leafy lettuce, but you can also make it with spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, kale, beet greens or Boston lettuce, or whatever you have on hand.
- I also add half a cup of fresh cilantro as I love the flavor twist it adds. If you’re not a cilantro lover, you can omit it or use fresh parsley instead.
- As mentioned, the balsamic dressing includes fresh peaches and blueberries, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you’re looking for a dressing that can be made and stored in advance, I’ve included the recipe for my honey basil vinaigrette in the recipe notes.
- This recipes calls for peach slices, but when I have extra time, I usually make it with grilled peaches. Instructions on how to do this are also included in the recipe notes.
- To keep it simple, I used raw pecan halves in this salad, but you can also use chopped pecans, or even candied pecans. Walnuts or sliced almonds would also work well.
- This salad is pretty hearty with the added quinoa, but if you want to make it an entrée salad, just add some grilled chicken, tofu or shrimp.
- Try this raspberry poppy seed dressing in place of the balsamic vinaigrette.
More summer salads
- Chicken and Peach Quinoa Salad with honey basil vinaigrette
- Stone Fruit Salad with peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and cherries and a mint basil vinaigrette
- Summer Vegetable Orzo Salad with peaches and feta
- Strawberry Kale Salad with avocado and poppyseed dressing
- Blueberry Spinach Salad with dijon dressing
If you make this peach and blueberry summer salad, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below!
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don’t forget to sign up for the Crumb Top Baking Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!
PrintSummer Peach Salad with Blueberries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 small salads
- Category: Salads
- Method: Assemble & Toss
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Summer Peach Salad is filled with juicy peaches and fresh blueberries, and topped with a tangy and creamy blueberry peach balsamic dressing. It’s perfect as a side salad for summer grilling, and you only need 9 ingredients to make it, including the dressing!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 6 cups greens of choice
- 1/2 cup cilantro, packed, chopped and stems mostly removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 2 medium-sized peaches, sliced
For the blueberry peach balsamic dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 medium-sized peach, pealed and sliced
Instructions
- Assemble the salad: Toss together the greens and cilantro and add to a large bowl or onto 6 small plates. Layer on the remaining salad ingredients.
- Make the dressing: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until thick and creamy with flecks of blueberry throughout.
- Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.
Notes
- The balsamic dressing includes fresh peaches and blueberries, so I find it’s best enjoyed fresh. I suggest waiting to make it until just before serving.
- If you want a make ahead dressing for this salad, I like to use a honey basil vinaigrette, which can be stored at room temperature for a few days. You’ll just need 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons liquid honey, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil and a dash of salt. Blend and pour into a jar with a lid.
- To grill peaches, just cut them in half and remove the pit. Brush the cut side with olive oil and place cut side down on the grill for 3-5 minutes. You can flip and grill on the other side if you like, but to keep the peaches firm and easy to slice for the salad, I only grill them on one side.
- Be sure to check out the FAQ as well as the tips and substitutions section above the recipe for more detailed advice and suggestions for making this recipe.
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says
Salad is what I crave the most in the summer months and I’m loving the combination of flavors and textures in this one! Cannot wait to try that blueberry peach balsamic dressing!!
Leanne says
I eat a lot of salads year round, but especially during summer. Hope you enjoy the dressing Tasia!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
I love EVERY ingredient in this gorgeous salad! It’s the perfect light summer meal!
Leanne says
Thanks Kelsie!
Michelle | Sift & Simmer says
I’ve never thought to add peaches to my salad! This salad looks incredible with the grilled peaches — I’m gonna have to try that soon! Thanks for the inspiration, Leanne! 🙂
Leanne says
I highly recommend adding peaches to your salads! I’m sure you’ll love it Michelle. Thanks!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Looks like such a refreshing summer salad Leanne! I can’t wait to try that dressing. I love the peach blueberry combination!
Leanne says
Thanks Mary Ann! Definitely a great summer combo!