This fresh peach salad is a sweet and savory summer side dish made with juicy peaches, salty prosciutto, toasted almonds, fresh herbs, and a light honey-thyme vinaigrette.
The Ultimate Summer Side Dish
Fresh, flavorful, and fast! This peach salad is the perfect way to highlight summer’s best produce. Juicy peaches pair beautifully with salty ham, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and peppery arugula, all tied together with a sweet and tangy vinaigrette. It’s elegant enough for entertaining, yet easy enough for a casual weeknight meal or potluck picnic.
Ingredients Notes and Tips for Success
- Peaches: Use ripe but slightly firm peaches so they hold their shape when sliced. You can peel them for a softer texture or leave the skin on for a more rustic look.
- Country Ham or Prosciutto: Adds a salty contrast to the sweet fruit. I’m a Madison, Virginia girl (home of the famous Kite’s Country Ham, so that’s what I use). Either option works well — just tear it into bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the salad.
- Greens: Baby arugula adds a peppery kick, but spinach or a spring mix provides a milder flavor.
- Goat Cheese or Feta: Both cheeses lend creaminess and tang. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand. I’ve shown feta here, since that’s our preference.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil and thyme enhance the flavor of the peaches and vinaigrette. Don’t skip them!
- Nuts: Toasted pecans or slivered almonds give the salad a bit of crunch. Add just before serving so they stay crisp.
How to Make Peach Salad
- Shake together the honey-thyme vinaigrette.
- Toss together the peaches, arugula, red onion, basil, and thyme. Drizzle with about half of the vinaigrette. Add the country ham (or prosciutto) and the cheese. Toss again to combine.
- Drizzle with the rest of the dressing and garnish with the toasted almonds just before serving.
Watch How to Make It
Summer Peach Salad
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
A fresh peach salad with salty ham, creamy cheese, and a sweet-tangy honey-thyme vinaigrette — perfect for warm summer days!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm peaches, peeled and sliced
- 2 ounces thinly sliced country ham or prosciutto, torn into bite-size pieces
- 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
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or slivered almonds
For the Honey-Thyme Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Vinaigrette:
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until completely combined. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the peaches, arugula, onion, basil, and thyme. Drizzle with about half of the vinaigrette. Gently toss in the ham and cheese.
Add the Toppings:
- Transfer to a serving platter or large shallow bowl. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and add the nuts (if using) just before serving. Serve immediately – this salad is best enjoyed fresh!
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and shake or whisk before using.
- Storage: This salad is best served immediately after assembling. If needed, you can prep ingredients separately and toss together just before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/4 of the recipeCalories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 226mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 732IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 1mg
Serving Suggestions
This fresh peach salad pairs well with a variety of mains and is perfect for a light lunch with a baguette on the side; a colorful starter for a summer dinner party or brunch; and a fresh addition to a picnic or potluck spread. Serve it with a tuna melt, grilled salmon, the best grilled hamburgers, one-skillet peach chicken, grilled pork chops, stuffed pork chops, London broil marinade, or even a southern tomato pie. Don’t forget this easy peach crisp recipe for dessert!
Preparation and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and shake or whisk before using.
- Storage: This salad is best served immediately after assembling. If needed, you can prep ingredients separately and toss together just before serving.
- Leftovers: If dressed, leftovers will wilt quickly. Store undressed salad and vinaigrette separately in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Recipe Variations
- Add Protein: Make this peach salad recipe even heartier by adding grilled chicken, honey lime grilled shrimp, or even sliced grilled steak.
- Swap the Fruit: Use nectarines, plums, or even fresh figs when peaches aren’t available.
- Change the Cheese: Blue cheese or shaved Parmesan are delicious substitutes.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ham or prosciutto and add avocado or extra nuts for richness.
- Add Grains: Toss in cooked farro, quinoa, or couscous for more filling texture.
More Summer Salads
Classic Pasta Salad
20 minutes mins
Strawberry Chicken Salad
15 minutes mins
Easy Potato Salad
1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
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