Late July always reminds me of porch dinners and sticky fingers from biting into too-ripe peaches. That’s what led to this Summer Peach Salad,it’s the kind of dish you throw together when you want something cool, crisp, and just a little sweet. Every bite tastes like sunshine, with juicy peaches, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella all tossed in one simple bowl.
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Why You’ll Love This Summer Peach Salad
This Summer Peach Salad is bright, juicy, and incredibly simple.
It comes together in minutes, with zero cooking and minimal prep. Perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner side, or a colorful potluck addition.
Peaches are at their peak right now, which means they’re extra fragrant and naturally sweet. When paired with crunchy radish, fresh basil, and soft mozzarella, you get a combo that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
It’s the kind of salad that looks fancy but feels easy — and tastes like summer in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is all about letting seasonal ingredients shine. Each element brings a little something special — and together, they just work.
Base Ingredients
- 2 large ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
- 4 cups mixed salad greens, washed and dried
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, kept whole
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, halved for easy bites
- 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced for crunch and spice
These ingredients create a beautiful mix of textures. The greens are crisp, the peaches juicy, the radish peppery, and the mozzarella smooth and creamy. Basil adds that fresh, herbaceous lift.
Simple Dressing
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Just two pantry staples and some seasoning — that’s all it takes to balance the flavors without overpowering the fruit.
How to Make Summer Peach Salad (Step-by-Step)
Making this salad is quick, but a few small touches help keep it beautiful and crisp.
- Start by rinsing and drying the mixed salad greens. This helps the dressing coat everything evenly.
- Slice your peaches into wedges. If they’re super ripe, work gently so they don’t mush.
- Halve the mozzarella balls. If you’re using a spoon, press down lightly to avoid tearing them.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the salad greens, sliced peaches, basil, mozzarella, and radishes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until slightly thickened.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Use clean hands or a large spoon to gently toss everything. Do this slowly to avoid bruising the peaches or tearing the basil.
- Serve right away — either plated individually or piled onto a large serving platter for sharing.
Tip: If you’re prepping ahead, keep the salad undressed and add the dressing just before serving to maintain texture.
Easy Ways to Customize It
This Summer Peach Salad is easy to adjust. Use what you have, or build around your mood.
Add Crunch
A little crunch makes every bite more exciting.
- Toasted almonds or walnuts
- Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
These also add healthy fats and keep the salad filling without making it heavy.
Boost the Protein
To turn this into a full meal, add:
- Grilled chicken
- Sautéed or grilled shrimp
These pair well with the sweetness of the peach and balance the dish nicely.
Try New Flavors
You can play with flavor profiles depending on what’s in your fridge.
- Swap mozzarella for crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Add a handful of arugula or spinach for a peppery bite
- Mix in orange or grapefruit segments for a citrus twist
- Drizzle a bit of honey or agave for extra sweetness
- Use a fruit-infused balsamic (like fig or raspberry) for a deeper tang
These tweaks help you keep the recipe fresh all season long.
Summer Peach Salad Recipe Card
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Summer Peach Salad | Easy, Fresh & Totally Delicious
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and easy summer salad made with ripe peaches, basil, mozzarella, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for light meals or sharing at potlucks.
Ingredients
2 large ripe peaches, sliced
4 cups mixed salad greens, washed and dried
1 cup fresh basil leaves, whole
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
1 cup radishes, finely sliced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse and dry the mixed salad greens.
2. Slice peaches into wedges, removing the pits.
3. Halve the mozzarella balls.
4. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, peaches, radishes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
5. Whisk olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.
6. Drizzle dressing over salad, season with salt and pepper.
7. Gently toss to coat everything without bruising the ingredients.
8. Serve immediately on plates or a large platter.
Notes
Add toasted almonds, walnuts, or seeds for crunch.
Swap in grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
Use feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella.
Try arugula or spinach for a peppery kick.
Citrus segments add tartness; honey adds sweetness.
Use fruit-infused balsamic for extra flavor.
- Category: Peach Recipes
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
More Such Recipes
For another bright and fruity side, try our blueberry peach feta salad for a refreshing summer side.
Pair this salad with fresh peach margaritas to pair with summer salads for a warm-weather dinner.
Or start your day with peach oatmeal breakfast cookies for a fruity morning treat.
If you want something more savory, don’t miss our easy peach salsa recipe with zesty flavors.
FAQ About Summer Peach Salad
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate. Prep and store all components in the fridge, then combine and dress just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of peaches?
Try nectarines, plums, or even mango. Any juicy, slightly firm fruit works well.
Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, as written it’s both. Just watch your add-ins — some proteins or cheeses might change that.
What is the best dressing for a peach salad?
A light balsamic vinaigrette works wonderfully. It brings out the sweetness of the peaches without being too heavy.
Is peach good for summer?
Absolutely. Peaches are in peak season during summer. They’re hydrating, naturally sweet, and pair well with both sweet and savory ingredients.
What is a summer peach?
It’s simply a peach that’s in season during summer — juicy, sweet, and usually freestone, which makes slicing easier.
Do peaches turn brown in fruit salad?
They can, but less quickly than apples or bananas. To slow browning, you can toss sliced peaches with a little lemon juice if prepping early.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Peach Salad is one of those recipes you’ll reach for all season long.
It’s light but satisfying, colorful but simple, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you serve it at a BBQ, bring it to a picnic, or make it just for yourself on a quiet afternoon, it’s a fresh reminder of how good seasonal eating can be.
If you try it, let me know! I’d love to see your version or hear how you made it your own.
And if you’re on social, you can find more summer-ready ideas over at Pinterest and Facebook.