Simple Peach Feta Salad Recipe
Colorful, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavors, the Simple Peach Feta Salad is the kind of dish that brightens any table and turns a simple gathering into a celebration of summer’s best produce. Imagine the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches mingling with salty feta, crunchy candied pecans, and the peppery bite of fresh greens—each forkful is pure delight. This salad is ridiculously easy to prepare but impressive enough to wow your guests, and it’s just as welcome as a quick lunch as it is at a backyard barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long grocery list to make this magic happen—just a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients that shine together. Each one adds something essential: flavor, crunch, color, or a bit of unexpected joy. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love it):
- Peaches: Choose perfectly ripe peaches for that juicy sweetness which defines the whole salad.
- Mixed Greens: A blend of arugula, spinach, and baby kale gives a peppery, earthy foundation and a gorgeous color contrast.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Salty, tangy, and creamy—it balances the peaches like nothing else.
- Candied Pecans or Walnuts: For irresistible crunch and a hint of caramelized sweetness in every bite.
- Red Onion: Sliced thin, it adds a gentle sharpness and a pretty splash of purple.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn by hand, basil brings an herbal freshness that lifts every ingredient.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich and smooth, it’s the heart of a perfect homemade dressing.
- Honey: Just a touch for natural sweetness and silky body in the dressing.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Its deep, tangy complexity ties the salad together beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Simple Peach Feta Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Wash your peaches thoroughly and slice them into wedges or rounds based on your preference. If they’re very ripe, handle with care—this is where the juicy, sweet flavor really shines. Set the slices aside; you’ll be layering them in for the prettiest presentation.
Step 2: Build the Greens Base
Grab your largest salad bowl and add the mixed greens. Toss in the thinly sliced red onion and those beautifully torn fresh basil leaves. This trifecta creates a bed full of flavor and sets up the perfect bite in every forkful.
Step 3: Arrange the Peaches
Now for the star of your Simple Peach Feta Salad: gently lay the sliced peaches on top of the greens. You can overlap them or fan them out—just make them look inviting and as sun-kissed as possible!
Step 4: Sprinkle with Feta and Nuts
Take the crumbled feta and scatter it evenly over the salad. Then follow with your candied pecans or walnuts for crunch and sweetness. Each topping adds its own pop of flavor and color.
Step 5: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Taste the dressing as you go, and adjust seasoning to find your perfect balance.
Step 6: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing generously over the assembled salad just before serving. Use tongs or your hands (the old-fashioned way!) to gently toss everything together, making sure the dressing coats every leaf and bite.
How to Serve Simple Peach Feta Salad
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle the salad with a few extra fresh basil leaves or even a handful of microgreens for added elegance. A light dusting of cracked black pepper on top works wonders, too, giving the Simple Peach Feta Salad a chef’s kiss finish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats—think chicken skewers or a juicy steak—as well as roasted salmon and crusty bread. It’s also a perfect centerpiece alongside a summery pasta dish or a platter of charcuterie.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the Simple Peach Feta Salad in mini mason jars or layer it in parfait glasses for fun, individual servings. You can also mound it on a big platter for a stunning buffet presentation, letting those peach slices and feta crumbles really show off.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the salad (sans dressing, if possible) to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the greens’ freshness and crispness.
Freezing
Unfortunately, the Simple Peach Feta Salad doesn’t freeze well. The fresh peaches and greens will lose their vibrant texture and become soggy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. For best results, make only what you plan to eat the same day!
Reheating
This salad is all about fresh, crisp flavors, so there’s no need—or option—to reheat. Simply give refrigerated leftover salad a gentle toss and taste for seasoning before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines make a fantastic swap if peaches aren’t available. Their flavor profile is quite similar and they’ll add the same delicious juiciness to your Simple Peach Feta Salad.
What if I don’t like feta cheese?
No worries! You can try creamy goat cheese or a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan instead. Both will bring a lovely tang and richness that complements the sweet peaches beautifully.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients up to a few hours ahead—slice the peaches, mix the greens, crumble the feta, and even whisk the dressing—but keep everything separate until just before serving to keep it all crisp and fresh.
How do I make this salad vegan?
Simple! Skip the feta or use your favorite plant-based alternative, and swap in maple syrup for the honey in the dressing. The Simple Peach Feta Salad will still be packed with flavor and flair.
Does the type of nut matter?
Not at all! While candied pecans or walnuts are classic, you can also try almonds, cashews, or even pistachios. Each brings its own unique crunch and personality to the salad, so use what you love or what’s already in your pantry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly joyful about tossing together a Simple Peach Feta Salad and watching it disappear at the table. Bright, easy, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the perfect dish to celebrate the season—or just make any day feel special. Go on, grab some peaches and give it a try!
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Simple Peach Feta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Peach Feta Salad is a delightful combination of sweet peaches, tangy feta cheese, crunchy nuts, and a flavorful dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Peach Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
Mixed Greens:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1⁄4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1⁄2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1⁄4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Wash and slice the peaches. Set aside.
- Combine Greens: In a large bowl, mix greens, red onion, and basil.
- Assemble Salad: Arrange peaches on greens, then top with feta and nuts.
- Make Dressing: Whisk olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle & Toss: Pour dressing over salad, toss gently to combine.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats.
- You can substitute candied pecans with almonds or cashews for a different flavor.
- Swap balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a lighter taste.
- Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can make this salad a more substantial meal.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese and try a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Peach Feta Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Salad Recipe