Hello, salad lovers! If you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful summer dish, this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is a must-try. Bursting with juicy peaches, fresh blueberries, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta, this salad is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Let’s dive in and create a dish that’s perfect for warm days and light meals!
Introduction
When summer arrives, nothing beats a fresh, vibrant salad packed with seasonal fruits and vegetables. This Blueberry Peach Feta Salad combines the sweetness of ripe peaches and blueberries with the crunch of Persian cucumbers, the creaminess of feta, and a tangy lemon basil vinaigrette. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, making it perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch.
This salad also brings together contrasting flavors and textures, making every bite exciting. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a quick meal, this recipe is simple to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 2 peaches, sliced
- 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
Condiments
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Baking & Spices
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oils & Vinegars
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dairy
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
How to Make Blueberry Peach Feta Salad
Follow these simple steps to make your own Blueberry Peach Feta Salad:
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, sliced peaches, sliced Persian cucumbers, and chopped basil. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Add a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning.
- Incorporate the Olive Oil: Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies and becomes smooth.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the freshly prepared lemon basil vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss to ensure all the fruits and vegetables are coated evenly.
- Add the Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Lightly toss again to distribute the feta throughout the dish.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe but firm peaches for this salad to avoid them turning mushy when sliced.
- Opt for Persian cucumbers as they are sweeter and have fewer seeds than regular cucumbers.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the feta cheese with roasted sunflower seeds or almond slivers for a similar texture and nutty flavor.
- Make the dressing fresh for the best taste, but it can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the basil is freshly chopped for a burst of herbaceous flavor in every bite.
- Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the delicate blueberries or crumbling the feta too much.
- If you’re serving this salad for a gathering, wait to add the vinaigrette and feta cheese until just before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad as a standalone dish for a light lunch or pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a more substantial meal. It’s an excellent side dish for summer barbecues, outdoor picnics, or casual dinners. For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top.
This salad also works well as part of a buffet spread alongside other fresh and vibrant dishes like quinoa salads, roasted vegetable platters, or fresh bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a look at the nutritional highlights of this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad:
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 320mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 4%
This salad is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals. The combination of fruits, vegetables, and cheese provides a balanced mix of nutrients and flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The cucumbers and peaches may release some moisture, so it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh.
To refresh leftovers, drain any excess liquid and add a bit more crumbled feta and freshly chopped basil. Toss gently to revive the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Fresh blueberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if frozen is all you have, let them thaw and drain well before using.
What other fruits can I use in this salad?
You can substitute or add other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or nectarines for a different twist.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Substitute the feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted nuts for a dairy-free version.
How do I prevent peaches from browning?
Toss the sliced peaches with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help maintain their vibrant color.
Related Recipes
If you love this salad, here are some other recipes to try:
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
- Quinoa Summer Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Conclusion
This Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is a refreshing summer dish that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or an accompaniment to a barbecue, it’s a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that highlights the best of the season’s produce. Give it a try and let the vibrant flavors elevate your dining experience. Enjoy every bite of this colorful, delicious salad!