This fresh peach salad is our family’s go-to summer side dish and the one everyone always raves about (even my boys)! Sweet peaches, crisp greens, creamy cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and a simple homemade vinaigrette come together in about 15 minutes, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
More Summer Salads:
Before You Get Started
A few simple tips will ensure the freshest, most flavorful salad every time.
- Use ripe but firm peaches so they hold their shape when sliced.
- Toast the pecans or almonds for the best flavor and crunch.
- Wait to dress the salad until just before serving so the greens stay crisp.
Try it another way
For even more flavor, try my Grilled Peaches on this salad.
How to Make Peach Salad
This easy peach salad comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive on the table, but couldn’t be easier to make. In fact, it’s the weeknight salad that I serve most often during the summer months since my boys all love it!
Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. You can also shake everything together in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
⭢ The vinaigrette can be made up to 3 or 4 days ahead. Refrigerate it until you’re ready to use, then let it come to room temperature and shake well before serving.
Other Dressing Options:
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Place the peaches, greens, red onion, cheese, and toasted nuts in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with as much dressing as you like and gently toss to coat. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
⭢ Baby arugula gives the salad a peppery bite, while baby spinach or a spring greens mix offers a milder flavor. Any of the three work beautifully.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
If desired, finish the salad with kosher salt and ground black pepper, or fresh herbs from your garden. Serve immediately.
⭢ Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the salad based on what’s in your fridge. Try blue cheese or shaved Parmesan instead of feta, swap pecans for walnuts or pistachios, stir in diced avocado for extra creaminess, a handful of blackberries for even more juicy, sweet flavor, or finish with fresh garden herbs like mint, basil, or thyme.
Make it a Meal!
Turn this into a hearty main dish by adding sliced country ham, prosciutto, grilled bbq chicken breast, or grilled salmon.
Serve it Alongside:
Preparation and Storage Tips
Prep Ahead: The vinaigrette can be prepared several days in advance, and you can toast the nuts, slice the onion, and wash the greens ahead of time. Store everything separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Serve Immediately: Once dressed, the salad is best served immediately while the greens are crisp and the peaches are at their freshest.
How to Store: Leftovers will keep for about a day in the refrigerator, but the greens will soften as they sit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best peaches for peach salad?
Choose peaches that are ripe, fragrant, and sweet, but still slightly firm. Very soft peaches tend to break apart when tossed with the dressing.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dressing and all of the ingredients ahead of time, but store them separately. Toss everything together just before serving for the freshest texture.
What protein goes well with this salad?
Country ham, prosciutto, grilled chicken, grilled salmon, grilled shrimp, or sliced steak all pair beautifully with the sweet peaches and tangy vinaigrette.
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines are an easy substitute and don’t require peeling, making them especially convenient.
What dressing goes best with peach salad?
A light vinaigrette complements the fruit best. This simple red wine vinaigrette adds just enough sweetness and acidity without overpowering the fresh peaches. Other good options include lemon vinaigrette, Dijon vinaigrette, or pepper jelly vinaigrette.
More Recipes with Fresh Peaches
Peach Salad
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm peaches, sliced
- 2 cups baby arugula, baby spinach, or spring greens mix
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds, toasted
For the Red Wine Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Make the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. While continuing to whisk, gradually stream in the olive oil until the dressing is completely combined. You can also shake everything together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the peaches, arugula, onion, cheese, and toasted nuts.
- Drizzle with dressing, to taste. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches. Peeling is optional.
- Toast the nuts for the best flavor.
- Dress immediately before serving.
- Grilled peaches are an excellent substitute.
- Baby spinach or spring mix work just as well as arugula.
- Goat cheese, feta, blue cheese, and shaved Parmesan are all delicious.
- Add grilled chicken, salmon, country ham, or prosciutto for a heartier salad.
- Fresh basil, thyme, or mint all pair nicely with peaches.
- Add diced avocado for extra richness.
Nutrition
Originally published in July, 2025, this recipe was updated in July, 2026.
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