Summer is the perfect season to enjoy fresh, vibrant salads that not only delight your taste buds but also provide a nutritious boost. Our Summer Peach Spinach Salad combines the sweetness of juicy peaches with the creamy texture of avocado and the tanginess of goat cheese, all balanced by a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Read on to discover the full recipe, tips, and variations to make this refreshing dish a star at your next meal.

What is a Summer Peach Spinach Salad?
A Summer Peach Spinach Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish featuring a blend of organic spinach, juicy peaches, creamy avocado, thinly sliced red onion, tangy goat cheese crumbles, and crunchy toasted almonds. This salad is dressed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, which perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the peaches and the richness of the avocado. It's a versatile salad that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course with the addition of your favorite protein.
Ingredients List for Summer Peach Spinach Salad
- 4-6 cups organic spinach: Fresh and crisp spinach forms the base of the salad, providing a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
- 2 large peaches, sliced: Ripe, juicy peaches add a burst of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy avocado adds a rich texture and a healthy dose of fats.
- ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced: Adds a slight bite and a bit of crunch to the salad.
- ½ cup goat cheese crumbles (or substitute with feta): The tangy flavor of goat cheese balances the sweetness of the peaches.
- ½ cup sliced toasted almonds: Provides a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor.
Ingredients List for Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: A healthy fat that forms the base of the vinaigrette.
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the vinaigrette.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a hint of spice.
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey: Sweetens the dressing, balancing the acidity of the vinegar.
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the dressing and the salad.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese: If you're not a fan of goat cheese, feta is a great alternative. For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cheese or omitting it altogether.
- Nuts: Swap the almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds for a different crunch.
- Greens: While spinach is a great base, feel free to mix in or substitute with other leafy greens like arugula, kale, or mixed baby greens.
- Fruit: Fresh peaches are ideal, but if they’re out of season, nectarines or even mango slices can work as a delicious substitute.
- Add-Ins: For added protein, top your salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. For a sweeter dressing, incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, place 4-6 cups of organic spinach.
- Drizzle the spinach with the desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette and toss to coat the leaves evenly.
- Add the Toppings:
- Top the dressed spinach with 2 sliced peaches, 1 diced avocado, ½ very thinly sliced red onion, ½ cup goat cheese crumbles, and ½ cup sliced toasted almonds.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking up the peaches or avocado.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures. This salad serves 4.
How to Cook Summer Peach Spinach Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Toast the Almonds:
- Place ½ cup of sliced almonds in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Stir the almonds consistently with a wooden spoon until they turn golden brown (about 3-6 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool on a plate.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Mince 1 garlic clove and place it in a bowl.
- Add 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Whisk until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a sweetener if desired.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Rinse and dry 4-6 cups of organic spinach and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Slice 2 large peaches and dice 1 avocado. Thinly slice ½ of a small red onion.
- Drizzle the spinach with the prepared balsamic vinaigrette and toss to coat.
- Add the peach slices, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and toasted almonds to the bowl.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdressing the Salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Not Toasting the Almonds: Toasted almonds provide a much richer flavor and better texture than raw ones.
- Using Unripe Peaches: Ensure your peaches are ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Skipping the Sweetener in the Dressing: The sweetener balances the acidity of the vinegar, enhancing the overall taste.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Chill the Salad: For a refreshing experience, chill the salad ingredients before assembling.
- Use a Clear Bowl: Present the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase its vibrant colors.
- Garnish: Garnish with additional toasted almonds and a sprinkle of goat cheese for a visually appealing finish.
How to Serve Summer Peach Spinach Salad
- As a Starter: Serve this salad as a starter for a summer meal. Its light and refreshing nature makes it a great way to begin any meal.
- As a Main Course: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this salad into a hearty main course.
- At a Picnic: This salad is perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas for Summer Peach Spinach Salad
- Layered Salad: Create a layered look by arranging the spinach at the bottom, followed by rows of peaches, avocado, and red onion, then topping with goat cheese and almonds.
- Individual Portions: Serve the salad in individual bowls or mason jars for a fun and portable presentation.
- Edible Flowers: Garnish with edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies to add a touch of elegance.
Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Organic spinach and ripe peaches are key.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and toast the almonds ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add more peaches for extra sweetness or more goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.
Q: What other dressings can I use? A: A honey mustard or a citrus vinaigrette would also pair well with this salad.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
Q: Can I use frozen peaches? A: Fresh peaches are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained.
Conclusion
The Summer Peach Spinach Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is perfect for any occasion. With its mix of fresh ingredients and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is sure to impress. Follow our tips and variations to customize it to your liking, and enjoy a taste of summer with every bite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family and enjoy the vibrant taste of the season together!
Summer Peach Spinach Salad Recipe
Enjoy a refreshing Summer Peach Spinach Salad packed with fresh spinach, juicy peaches, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds, topped with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy summer meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 4-6 cups organic spinach
- 2 large peaches, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ½ cup goat cheese crumbles (or substitute with feta)
- ½ cup sliced toasted almonds
- Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine organic spinach, sliced peaches, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and sliced toasted almonds.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and optional sweetener. Season with freshly ground salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, try grilling the peaches before adding them to the salad.
- The vinaigrette can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
Leave a Reply