Can I prep this salad in advance for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the peaches, blueberries, onion, mint, nuts, and lettuce up to a few hours ahead and keep them separate in the fridge. Assemble and add sliced avocado plus the dressing right before serving.

Can I use regular balsamic vinegar?

Absolutely. Regular balsamic works well if you don’t have white balsamic on hand; it will just create a darker dressing and a slightly richer tang.

Will this salad get soggy if stored overnight?

The salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made. The peaches and lettuce lose their crispness after 24 hours, but the flavors remain delicious. For best results, keep the dressing separate until serving.

What’s the best way to make this recipe nut-free?

Simply omit the pecans, or use toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts. The salad is still fantastic and allergy-friendly.

Summer Peach Salad Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as refreshing as a June breeze and takes mere minutes to toss together, let’s talk about this Summer Peach Salad. Ripe, juicy peaches mingle with creamy avocado, crisp romaine, rich mozzarella pearls, and the satisfying crunch of pecans, all kissed with fresh mint and brightened further by a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette. It’s everything you want in a summer salad—quick, vibrant, and bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. Perfect for a last-minute lunch, a dazzling potluck side, or a light weeknight dinner, this salad proves that eating well and eating simply can absolutely go hand in hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Fast: You can have this masterpiece on your table in as little as 15 minutes—no cooking required!
Flavor Explosion: Sweet peaches, tangy vinaigrette, creamy avocado, and nutty pecans mean every forkful is both satisfying and exciting.
Gorgeous and Wholesome: Packed with fresh fruit, greens, good fats, and a touch of cheese, it’s as nourishing as it is beautiful.
Totally Customizable: This is the kind of recipe that happily welcomes your favorite swaps and seasonal tweaks.
Perfect for Busy Nights: When you want something special but don’t have time for fuss, this salad saves the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple stars for your salad bowl—a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients really makes all the difference:

Peaches: Opt for ripe, juicy peaches—these bring luscious sweetness and that unmistakable summer flavor.
Tip: No need to peel if you love a little extra fiber and color!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries punch up the sweetness and add a gentle tartness.
Avocados: Creamy and rich, avocados provide healthy fats and a heavenly texture contrast.
Note: Use perfectly ripe avocados for maximum creaminess!
Red Onion: Thin slices add gentle bite and color—soak in cold water for a minute if you want extra mildness.
Pecans: Chopped for that signature crunch and nutty depth.
Toasting them is optional, but it does make a difference!
Fresh Mint: Chopped mint leaves brighten the salad and add a surprising, delightful freshness.
Mozzarella Pearls: These little cheese balls are tender, mild, and make every bite extra special.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing, and sturdy enough to hold up all these toppings.

For the White Balsamic Vinaigrette

White Balsamic Vinegar: Lighter and a touch sweeter than classic balsamic, it lets the fruit shine.
Olive Oil: A good, fruity olive oil ties all the flavors together.
Dijon Mustard: Adds mild heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
Onion Powder: Bumps up the savoriness without overpowering.
Granulated Sugar: Just a hint, to balance the tartness and round out the vinaigrette.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel free to play! This salad thrives on fresh ideas and adaptability.

Switch Up the Fruit: Try nectarines, strawberries, or blackberries if you like.
Different Cheese: Feta or goat cheese bring a creamy tang if mozzarella isn’t your thing.
Go Nut-Free or Swap Nuts: Allergic to pecans? Toasted walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds are great choices—or skip them altogether.
Add Protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp are fabulous for making this a heartier meal.
Change Up the Greens: Baby spinach or arugula also work beautifully.

How to Make the Summer Peach Salad

Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In your biggest salad bowl, gently toss together diced peaches, fresh blueberries, creamy avocado chunks, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pecans, fragrant mint, mozzarella pearls, and loads of crisp chopped romaine lettuce. The colors alone will convince you you’re about to eat something magical.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or a clean jar, whisk together white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and sugar until smooth and emulsified. This takes seconds, and you’ll notice right away how much a homemade vinaigrette lifts everything.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Just before you’re ready to serve, drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Gently toss to coat every leaf and fruit piece—go easy, so you don’t bruise the peaches or avocados.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to plates or pile onto a platter. The only thing left to do is savor every vibrant, juicy bite!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose Ripe, Firm Peaches: Avoid rock-hard or mushy fruit for the best texture.
Prepare in Advance (But Not Too Far!): You can slice everything but the avocado up to an hour ahead; cut avocados at the last minute to avoid browning.
Toast the Pecans: A few minutes in a dry skillet brings incredible depth—just be sure to let them cool before adding.
Dress Right Before Serving: The greens and fruit stay crisp and lively if you wait until the last moment to toss with dressing.
Use a Gentle Hand: This keeps the delicate fruit from turning to mush.

How to Serve

There are so many ways to let this salad shine:

As a Light Main

Serve it on its own with a slice of rustic sourdough bread—it’s filling enough for lunch or a light supper thanks to the nuts, avocado, and cheese.

As a Stunning Side

Pair with grilled chicken, salmon, or even alongside your favorite barbecue mains.

For Brunch or Potlucks

Put it center-stage at your next brunch spread, or bring it to a picnic or potluck—it draws rave reviews every time.

Garnish Suggestions

A little extra mint, some cracked black pepper, or an extra drizzle of balsamic reduction makes it extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s best the day it’s made because the fruit and greens soften, but it’s still tasty later.

Freezing

This salad isn’t meant for the freezer. The fresh fruit and greens won’t hold up well after thawing, so enjoy it fresh.

Reheating

No reheating required—this salad is all about those cool, crisp textures. If you’ve added grilled chicken or another cooked protein on top, keep it separate and reheat only that before serving leftovers.

FAQs

Can I prep this salad in advance for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the peaches, blueberries, onion, mint, nuts, and lettuce up to a few hours ahead and keep them separate in the fridge. Assemble and add sliced avocado plus the dressing right before serving.
Can I use regular balsamic vinegar?

Absolutely. Regular balsamic works well if you don’t have white balsamic on hand; it will just create a darker dressing and a slightly richer tang.
Will this salad get soggy if stored overnight?

The salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made. The peaches and lettuce lose their crispness after 24 hours, but the flavors remain delicious. For best results, keep the dressing separate until serving.
What’s the best way to make this recipe nut-free?

Simply omit the pecans, or use toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts. The salad is still fantastic and allergy-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Peach Salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of all things fresh and easy. Quick to make, loaded with flavor, and endlessly adaptable, it might just become the highlight of your summer table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself to this burst of sunshine today!