Peach Tomato Feta Salad (Easy Summer Recipe)

This Peach Tomato Feta Salad is the perfect refreshing dish for hot summer days. With ripe peaches, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta, it’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The addition of a tangy maple-lemon dressing ties everything together, making this salad a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, picnic, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad will become your new go-to summer recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peach Tomato Feta Salad is not only easy to make but bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The juicy sweetness of the peaches pairs beautifully with the savory feta and the burst of freshness from the cherry tomatoes and basil. The simple yet flavorful vinaigrette enhances all the ingredients without overpowering them. It’s a light, healthy dish that’s sure to be a hit at any summer gathering or a perfect side for your main course.

Ingredients

Peach Salad:

• 3 ripe peaches
• 1 pint multicolor cherry tomatoes
• 1 green onion
• Handful fresh basil leaves (approx. 15 leaves)
• 2/3 cup feta cheese

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt + black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Begin by slicing the peaches into thin, even slices. Make sure the peaches are ripe, but still firm enough to hold their shape.
2. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the green onion, and chop the basil leaves into smaller pieces. Fresh basil is key to giving the salad its aromatic, herbal flavor.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped basil.
5. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure it’s well-coated.
6. You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional feta and fresh basil on top just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15-20 minutes (with optional chilling time)

Variations

• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, try adding some toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds.
• Swap Feta: If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or ricotta salata would work well as a substitute.
• Add Protein: Turn this into a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas.
• Herb Alternatives: While basil adds great freshness, you can also use mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The peaches may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be delicious.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat it, as the fresh ingredients shine when chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

Fresh peaches are recommended for this recipe, as they add a juicy sweetness and texture that canned peaches can’t replicate. However, if using canned, make sure to drain and pat them dry.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes! You can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even fresh mozzarella for a different twist.

3. How can I make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based cheese alternative or simply increase the amount of fresh basil and herbs for added flavor.

4. Can I add any other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add other summer fruits like strawberries, nectarines, or blueberries to complement the peaches and tomatoes.

5. How do I prevent the peaches from turning brown?

Peaches are best enjoyed fresh, but to prevent browning, you can toss the slices with a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

6. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the peaches from becoming too soft. You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time.

7. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Peach Tomato Feta Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

8. How do I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

If you prefer a sweeter dressing, simply add more maple syrup to taste. You can adjust the balance of sweet and tangy by adding more or less vinegar and lemon juice.

9. Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

Yes, balsamic vinegar will work well too, adding a different depth of flavor to the dressing.

10. How long will the salad keep in the fridge?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The peaches may soften, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This Peach Tomato Feta Salad is a simple yet flavorful summer dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh peaches, tomatoes, and feta, along with the tangy vinaigrette, creates a light and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main, this salad is sure to be a hit!

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