Peach Arugula Salad

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

April 16, 2025

Updated:

April 16, 2025

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Creating a delightful dish like Peach Arugula Salad is all about capturing that harmony of flavors. With juicy, ripe peaches playing off the peppery bite of arugula, this salad is a summer favorite you’ll want to make again and again. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together yet so impressive when served. Perfect for those busy evenings or lazy weekends, it comes together in a flash and delivers that burst of freshness we all crave.

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So, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate summer vibes even when it’s not in full swing, this Peach Arugula Salad invites warmth and sunshine to your plate. Plus, it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients and can be customized to fit any taste preference. Grab your aprons, because I’m here to guide you through every delicious step of preparing this vibrant salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Peach arugula salad provides a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining the peppery bite of arugula with the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches. This dish is not only refreshing but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a light summer lunch. The addition of walnuts adds a satisfying crunch, while the zesty dressing ties all the ingredients together, creating a harmonious balance that appeals to the taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Arugula Salad

This Peach Arugula Salad is a celebration of summer on a plate. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients not only look beautiful but also evoke feelings of warmth and sunshine. Perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy a light meal at home, this recipe brings together healthy ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your cravings. It’s easy to customize and serves as an excellent way to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

4 cups baby arugula
3 medium ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
3/4 cup diced yellow bell pepper
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper, to taste

Preparing the Peach Arugula Salad

Combine the Fresh Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, layer the baby arugula, sliced peaches, diced yellow bell pepper, and chopped walnuts. This colorful arrangement creates both an appealing presentation and a variety of flavors in every bite.

Whisk Together the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper. This vibrant dressing will enhance the flavors of the salad and add a zesty kick.

Drizzle the Dressing Over the Salad

Once the dressing is prepared, drizzle it evenly over the salad mixture. Gently toss the salad to ensure that all ingredients are coated with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve Immediately

Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve it family-style in a large bowl. For an added touch, garnish with additional walnuts or even some crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy this refreshing Peach Arugula Salad immediately for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Peach Arugula Salad with grilled chicken or fish for a nutritious main course. It also complements a variety of dishes, making it versatile for any meal. Consider serving with crusty bread or a light quiche for a delightful brunch spread.

Tips for Success

Use ripe peaches for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
Toast the walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste; you can add honey for extra sweetness or more lemon juice for a tangier flavor.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this salad! Substitute peaches with nectarines or add in some strawberries. For a vegetarian twist, include diced avocado or crumbled goat cheese. If you’re looking for added protein, grilled shrimp or chicken would be excellent additions.

Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.

Pairing Ideas

Wine: This salad pairs beautifully with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled Rosé.
Sides: Serve alongside a light grain salad or a warm soup for a complete meal experience.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

What other nuts can I use in this recipe?

Feel free to use pecans or almonds as an alternative to walnuts, providing a different flavor and texture.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Replace the honey (if used) in the dressing with agave or maple syrup to make it fully vegan.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can easily be added for a nutrient-rich meal.

What should I do if I don’t have arugula?

If you can’t find arugula, consider using spinach or mixed greens as a substitute.

This Peach Arugula Salad not only showcases the bounty of fresh ingredients available in summer but also invites warmth and flavor to your dining table. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue or as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy anyone who experiences its delightful combination of tastes and textures. Enjoy this refreshing dish and savor a taste of summer all year round!

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Peach Arugula Salad

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Peach Arugula Salad

Ingredients