Looking for a crisp, delicious salad that bursts with flavor? The Peach Spinach Salad is your answer! This vibrant dish combines fresh spinach, juicy peaches, and crunchy walnuts. With a zesty dressing made of olive oil and vinegar, it’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side at dinner. In this post, I’ll guide you through every tasty detail to make this refreshing choice a hit at your table!
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
– Baby spinach
– Ripe peaches
– Red onion
Fresh produce makes this salad bright and tasty. I love using baby spinach. It is soft and tender. Ripe peaches add sweetness and color. Their juicy flesh brings a summer vibe. Red onion gives a crisp bite. Slice it thin so it blends well.
Cheese and Nuts
– Feta cheese
– Walnuts
Feta cheese adds a creamy touch. Its salty taste balances the sweet peaches. I like to crumble it into small bits. Walnuts give a nice crunch. They also add healthy fats. Toasting them lightly can boost their flavor.
Dressing Components
– Olive oil
– Apple cider vinegar
– Honey
– Seasonings
The dressing ties everything together. I use olive oil for richness. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy taste. Honey sweetens the mix and rounds it out. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors. You can adjust these to your liking.
This Peach Spinach Salad is a full flavor experience. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Salad
Start by washing your fresh baby spinach. I love using 4 cups of it to make a nice base. Next, slice 2 ripe peaches. Their sweetness adds a bright flavor. Combine the spinach and peaches in a large bowl. Then, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. This cheese gives a creamy touch. Add 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion for a bit of zing. Finally, toss in 1/2 cup of roughly chopped walnuts. These add a nice crunch to the salad.
Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This mix brings a tasty balance. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to sweeten the dressing. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. I always taste it as I go. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. This will enhance the peaches’ flavor.
Tossing and Serving
Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture. Gently toss everything together. Make sure each piece gets coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld. Serve your peach spinach salad fresh for a delightful meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above.
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Best Peaches
To find ripe peaches, look for a soft feel. If they give slightly when you press them, they are ready. The skin should have a nice yellow hue. Avoid hard or green peaches, as they won’t taste sweet. You can also choose other fruits like strawberries or nectarines. These fruits pair well with spinach and add color.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salad in a sealed container. This keeps it fresh for up to two days in the fridge. If the salad wilts, add fresh spinach to revive it. You can also splash in some dressing to refresh flavors. Toss gently to mix everything without breaking the peaches.
Dressing Variations
Try different dressings to change the flavor. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy taste. For a spicy kick, mix in some mustard. You can also adjust sweetness by adding more honey or reducing it for a less sweet option. This lets you customize the salad to your taste. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas!
Variations
Adding Proteins
You can make your peach spinach salad heartier by adding proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp adds great flavor and texture. Simply grill the chicken or shrimp until cooked, then slice it up and toss it with the salad. For a vegetarian option, try adding beans. Chickpeas or black beans work well and give a nice protein boost.
Seasonal Additions
Seasonal fruits can elevate your salad. Berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add a sweet touch. Citrus fruits, like oranges or mandarins, can give a fresh zing. You can also switch up the nuts. Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch.
Different Cheese Options
Cheese can change the salad’s flavor profile. Goat cheese or blue cheese add a creamy richness. If you want a vegan alternative, use a cashew cheese or omit cheese entirely. Each choice brings its own delicious twist to the dish. If you’re intrigued, you can find the full recipe to explore these variations!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To keep your Peach Spinach Salad fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep the salad crisp and tasty. If you have dressing left, store it separately. This keeps the spinach from wilting too fast. Just drizzle it on when you’re ready to eat.
Shelf Life
Your salad will stay fresh for about 2 days in the fridge. After that, the spinach may wilt and the peaches might spoil. Look for signs of spoilage like brown spots on the peaches or soggy spinach. If you see these, it’s best to toss the salad.
For the full recipe, check out Peachy Spinach Delight!
FAQs
What is a peach spinach salad?
A peach spinach salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It combines bright baby spinach and sweet peaches. The main ingredients are:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
– 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
– Dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper
This mix of flavors makes it a nice choice for lunch or dinner. It is healthy and colorful, perfect for warm days.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. To prep it well, follow these steps:
– Wash and dry the spinach and store it in a container.
– Slice the peaches, but add them just before serving to keep them fresh.
– Keep the feta cheese and walnuts separate to avoid sogginess.
– Prepare the dressing and store it in a jar in the fridge.
For best freshness, combine everything right before you eat. This keeps the salad crisp and tasty.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free if you check your labels. Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Here are some tips:
– Always read labels on feta cheese and nuts to ensure no gluten is added.
– If you want gluten-free options, you could swap the feta with a dairy-free cheese.
– You can also add grilled chicken or beans for extra protein without gluten.
Enjoy this peach spinach salad without worry if you follow these tips!
This blog post shared how to make a delicious peach spinach salad. We explored fresh ingredients like baby spinach, ripe peaches, and feta cheese. I provided step-by-step instructions, from preparing the salad to making the dressing. You learned tips for choosing the best peaches and how to customize your salad.
Ultimately, this salad is flexible, tasty, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy creating your own version with various ingredients, and share it with friends and family. Your culinary journey starts here!
