Peach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette – A Fresh, Colorful Summer Salad with Juicy Peaches, Mixed Greens, and Homemade
Peach Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette combines juicy peaches, mixed greens, creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a homemade raspberry dressing into a colorful and refreshing summer salad. Sweet peaches complement the tangy raspberries, while crunchy nuts and creamy cheese provide texture and richness. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, it is perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish. Fresh, seasonal ingredients make this recipe a standout addition to any summer menu.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, torn
For the Raspberry Vinaigrette
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens, peaches, raspberries, cucumber, herbs, and onion.
- Slice the peaches into thin wedges and thinly slice the cucumber and red onion.
- Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Allow them to cool.
- Prepare the raspberry vinaigrette by blending the raspberries, olive oil, raspberry vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- For a smoother dressing, strain the vinaigrette through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the raspberry seeds (optional).
- Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter or bowl.
- Top with peaches, fresh raspberries, cucumber, onion, toasted nuts, goat cheese, mint, and basil.
- Drizzle the raspberry vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches for easy slicing.
- Fresh raspberries provide the best flavor.
- Toast the nuts for enhanced richness.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- Goat cheese pairs beautifully with peaches and raspberries.
- Chill the salad ingredients before assembling.
- Homemade vinaigrette tastes fresher than bottled dressing.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.