Blueberry Peach Feta Salad

Make this easy summer salad.

Embrace the sun-kissed flavors of summer with this incredibly easy-to-prepare Blueberry Peach Feta Salad. This **easy summer salad** combines the best of seasonal produce with a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular and satisfying without much effort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for success, promising a refreshing escape from heavy meals.

Why you will love it.

You’ll fall in love with this **blueberry peach feta** creation for countless reasons. First, its simplicity is unmatched; minimal cooking and maximum flavor mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. The combination of juicy blueberries and ripe peaches offers a sweet explosion that perfectly complements the salty kick of the feta cheese. It’s a beautifully balanced dish, bursting with **vibrant flavors** that awaken your palate. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, offering a delicious alternative to heavier dishes.

Perfect for any occasion.

This versatile salad shines whether it’s the star of a casual weeknight dinner, a charming addition to a picnic spread, or an elegant side dish for a backyard barbecue. Its colorful presentation makes it incredibly appealing, instantly elevating any table setting. From a relaxed family lunch to a festive gathering with friends, this **fresh fruit salad** fits right in. It’s light enough to serve as an appetizer, yet substantial enough to be a standalone meal when paired with some grilled protein. It even makes a delightful contribution to potlucks, always receiving rave reviews for its unique flavor profile and refreshing quality. For another fantastic salad idea, consider trying this Beet Salad with Feta.

Gather **Blueberry Peach Feta Salad** ingredients.

Before you begin assembling your masterpiece, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable preparation process. For this particular **blueberry peach feta salad**, we focus on using the freshest seasonal produce available, complemented by simple pantry staples that come together to create a light yet impactful dressing. Taking a moment to organize your ingredients will save you time and ensure you have everything on hand to create this **refreshing recipe**.

Fresh produce list.

The heart of any great salad lies in its fresh components. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Fresh Blueberries: Opt for plump, firm berries that are sweet and juicy.
• Ripe Peaches: Choose peaches that have a fragrant aroma and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Feel free to use yellow or white peaches.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: The briny, tangy notes of feta cheese are non-negotiable here.
• Mixed Greens: A spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula works wonderfully as the base.
• Red Onion (optional): A few thin slices can add a pleasant, subtle bite.

These ingredients are readily available during peak summer months, ensuring the best possible flavor and texture for your salad. Supporting local farmers’ markets is a great way to find the freshest produce.

Pantry dressing items.

A simple yet flavorful dressing ties all the components of the salad together. For this **simple dressing**, you’ll likely have most items already in your pantry:

• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is key.
• White Balsamic Vinegar (or Apple Cider Vinegar): Adds a lovely tang without overpowering the fruit.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Dijon Mustard: Helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle sharpness.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.

Having these items ready will allow you to quickly whisk up a zesty dressing that perfectly complements the fruit and cheese.

Prepare **Blueberry Peach Feta Salad** components.

With all your ingredients at hand, the next step is to prepare each component to ensure they are ready for assembly. Proper preparation enhances the flavors and textures of your salad, making every bite a delight. This involves carefully washing your produce and, if you desire, adding an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness with toasted walnuts. Taking these small steps will ensure your Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is not just good, but truly outstanding, showcasing the beauty of each ingredient.

Wash and slice fruit.

Begin by thoroughly washing your blueberries and peaches under cool running water. For the peaches, you can choose to peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. If peeling, a quick blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds followed by an ice bath will make the skin slide right off. Once washed, carefully slice the peaches into bite-sized wedges or cubes. The goal is to have pieces that are easy to eat and mix well with the other ingredients. Ensure all fruit is gently patted dry to prevent excess water from diluting your dressing.

Toast walnuts, if desired.

Adding toasted walnuts can introduce a wonderful textural contrast and a nutty depth of flavor to your salad. While optional, it’s a highly recommended step for an elevated experience. To toast, simply spread the walnuts in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them, as they can go from toasted to burnt very quickly. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool completely before adding them to the salad. This simple step adds extra crunch and enhances the overall sensory experience of this delightful **blueberry peach feta** creation. You might also enjoy adding toasted nuts to other dishes, like a ground turkey and peppers recipe for extra texture.

Whisk up the tasty dressing.

The dressing is the unsung hero of any salad, bringing all the disparate flavors into a cohesive and harmonious whole. For this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad, a light and tangy vinaigrette is perfect, complementing the sweetness of the fruit and the saltiness of the feta without overpowering them. Making your own dressing from scratch is incredibly simple and allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the flavors to your exact liking. This homemade dressing will elevate your **easy summer salad** from good to truly exceptional, making it a memorable part of your meal.

Combine wet ingredients.

In a small bowl, combine your wet dressing ingredients. Start with the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang), honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. The mustard not only adds a subtle piquant note but also acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar stay combined rather than separating. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are well combined and the dressing appears slightly creamy and uniform. This initial step ensures a smooth base before any final adjustments are made, contributing to a truly **refreshing recipe**.

Season with salt, pepper.

Once the wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed, it’s time to season your dressing to perfection. Add a pinch of salt and a generous grind of fresh black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might find you want a little more sweetness, a touch more acidity, or an extra sprinkle of salt to truly bring out the **vibrant flavors**. Remember, seasoning is key to a balanced dressing that enhances rather than masks the natural taste of your fresh ingredients. This homemade dressing is a crucial element for your **blueberry peach feta** salad, ensuring every component shines.

Combine all salad ingredients.

The moment of truth has arrived! Bringing all the meticulously prepared components together is where your Blueberry Peach Feta Salad truly takes shape. This step is all about mindful assembly, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients so that every forkful offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. The visual appeal of this **fresh fruit salad** is also a key part of its charm, with the bright colors of the fruit contrasting beautifully with the greens and the white feta. Take your time during this stage to create a salad that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Mix greens, fruit.

In a large salad bowl, gently combine your mixed greens with the washed and sliced peaches and blueberries. Use a light hand to avoid bruising the delicate fruit. The goal is to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the greens, ensuring that each serving gets a generous portion of those sweet, juicy bursts. This initial combination forms the colorful foundation of your **easy summer salad**, creating an inviting canvas for the remaining ingredients. The vibrant hues of the blueberries and peaches against the green backdrop are truly a sight to behold, promising a delicious experience.

Add feta and walnuts.

Once your greens and fruit are mixed, it’s time to introduce the remaining stars: the crumbled feta cheese and, if using, the toasted walnuts. Sprinkle the feta evenly over the fruit and greens. The tangy, salty notes of the feta provide a fantastic counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit, creating a complex flavor profile. Then, scatter the cooled, toasted walnuts over the top. These add a crucial element of crunch and a lovely nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the salad. For more salad ideas, explore our salad category on CarinaRecipes. Remember, a little crunch goes a long way in making a salad more interesting and satisfying.

Serving your fresh summer salad.

The final step in crafting your Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is the serving process. This is where you bring all the prepared elements together with the dressing, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor. The timing of when you add the dressing is crucial for maintaining the crispness of your greens and the integrity of your ingredients. This **refreshing recipe** is best enjoyed immediately after being dressed, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without the greens becoming soggy. Presentation also plays a role, making the dish even more appealing to those you’re serving.

Drizzle dressing gently.

Just before serving, drizzle the homemade dressing over your combined salad ingredients. It’s important not to overdress the salad; start with a conservative amount and add more if needed. The aim is to lightly coat the ingredients, enhancing their natural flavors rather than drowning them. A gentle drizzle ensures that the **simple dressing** complements, rather than dominates, the sweet peaches, juicy blueberries, and tangy feta. This approach highlights the freshness of each component, making every bite a burst of **vibrant flavors**.

Toss and serve immediately.

Once the dressing is added, use salad tongs to gently toss all the ingredients together. Ensure that the dressing evenly coats the greens, fruit, feta, and walnuts. The key is to mix just enough to distribute the dressing without crushing the delicate fruits or greens. Serve your Blueberry Peach Feta Salad immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and crisp texture. This **easy summer salad** is best when the greens are still vibrant and the fruit is at its sweetest. It’s an ideal choice for a **light lunch** or a refreshing side to a hearty dinner. Share your culinary creations with us on Pinterest and Instagram!

**Blueberry Peach Feta Salad** quick facts.

Understanding the practical aspects of any recipe can help you integrate it seamlessly into your meal planning. This **blueberry peach feta salad** is not only delicious but also remarkably convenient, especially for those busy days when you need a quick yet wholesome option. Knowing its key statistics—like prep time and serving size—allows you to plan efficiently and confidently. These quick facts underscore why this **quick healthy meal** is an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, from solo lunches to family dinners.

Fast prep time.

One of the most appealing features of this **easy summer salad** is its minimal preparation time. From washing and slicing the fruit to whisking the dressing and combining all ingredients, you can have this delightful salad ready in approximately 15-20 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a last-minute lunch, a speedy side dish for dinner, or a quick appetizer when unexpected guests arrive. The simplicity of the steps ensures that even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It’s truly a testament to how fast and healthy meals can be.

Serves four people.

This recipe is perfectly portioned to serve four people generously as a side salad, or two people as a light main course. The quantities of blueberries, peaches, greens, and feta are balanced to provide satisfying portions for a small gathering or family meal. If you’re hosting a larger event or want leftovers, simply double or triple the ingredients. The beauty of this **fresh fruit salad** is its adaptability, allowing you to scale it up or down with ease, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy its **refreshing recipe**.

**Blueberry Peach Feta Salad** nutrition.

Beyond its incredible taste and ease of preparation, the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. This **nutritious** dish is packed with wholesome ingredients that contribute to a balanced diet, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious food without compromising on health. Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help you appreciate the goodness in every bite and reinforce why this **quick healthy meal** is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s a truly delightful way to nourish your body with **seasonal ingredients**.

Calories and protein info.

Each serving of this **blueberry peach feta salad** offers a good balance of calories and protein, making it satisfying without being overly heavy. The fresh fruits provide natural sugars and fiber, while the feta cheese contributes a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle health and satiety. While specific counts can vary based on portion sizes and exact ingredients, a typical serving provides around 200-250 calories and 8-10 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent option for a **light lunch** or a wholesome side. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a meal that fuels your body with energy and essential nutrients.

Fat and carb breakdown.

The fat content in this salad primarily comes from the healthy monounsaturated fats in olive oil and, if added, the beneficial fats in walnuts. These fats are important for nutrient absorption and overall heart health. Carbohydrates are predominantly sourced from the fresh blueberries and peaches, which are complex carbs packed with vitamins and antioxidants. A serving typically contains about 10-15 grams of fat and 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, with a good portion of that being dietary fiber from the fruits and greens. This balanced macro breakdown ensures you get sustained energy and a host of health benefits from this **refreshing recipe**.

Helpful notes for your salad.

While the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is fantastic as is, a few clever tips and tricks can enhance your experience even further. These notes are designed to help you customize the salad to your preference, add extra layers of flavor and texture, or prepare it ahead of time for ultimate convenience. Thinking about these small details can transform a great recipe into your absolute favorite, demonstrating the versatility of this **easy summer salad** and how easily it can fit into various lifestyles and dietary needs.

Add extra crunch.

If you’re a fan of texture, there are several ways to introduce an extra element of crunch to your **fresh fruit salad**. Beyond toasted walnuts, consider adding candied pecans for a touch of sweet and savory, or even some roasted almonds. For a savory crunch, a handful of croutons, either homemade or store-bought, can be a great addition. Thinly sliced cucumbers or bell peppers can also contribute a refreshing crispness. Experiment with different seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for a nutritious boost and delightful chew. Each addition brings its own unique character to the already **vibrant flavors**.

Make it ahead easily.

This salad is perfect for meal prepping or preparing for a gathering. The key to making it ahead lies in keeping the wet and dry ingredients separate until just before serving. You can wash and slice your peaches, crumble your feta, and toast your walnuts a day in advance. Store the fruit in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the walnuts in a separate container at room temperature. The greens should be kept dry and crisp. The dressing can also be whisked and stored in a jar in the fridge. This strategy ensures everything stays fresh and vibrant, allowing you to assemble your **blueberry peach feta** creation quickly when it’s time to enjoy. For another delightful make-ahead option, try a creamy baked mac and cheese.

Make ahead salad tips.

Successful make-ahead salads depend heavily on smart storage and assembly techniques. The goal is to preserve the freshness and prevent sogginess, especially when dealing with delicate greens and juicy fruits. By following a few simple guidelines, you can ensure your Blueberry Peach Feta Salad tastes just as amazing (if not more so!) when prepared in advance as it does when made fresh. These tips are invaluable for meal planning, reducing stress before events, and ensuring you always have a **quick healthy meal** option ready to go.

Store dressing separately.

The golden rule for any make-ahead salad, especially this **easy summer salad**, is to keep the dressing separate from the solid ingredients until the very last moment. Storing the dressing in a sealed jar or container allows its flavors to meld and deepen without wilting the greens or making the fruit soggy. Only when you are ready to serve should you drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. This prevents premature softening and ensures every bite of your **fresh fruit salad** remains crisp and delicious. This simple step is critical for maintaining the texture and **vibrant flavors** of your salad, making it suitable for a **light lunch** or **dinner side** prepared hours earlier.

Customize your salad with variations.

One of the true joys of cooking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your preferences, what’s in season, or what you have on hand. The Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to a myriad of variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, cheeses, or even protein sources to make this **refreshing recipe** uniquely yours. These variations can transform the salad, keeping it exciting and new every time you prepare it, while still retaining the core appeal of a **quick healthy meal**.

Substitute seasonal fruits.

While peaches and blueberries are a fantastic combination, feel free to substitute them with other **seasonal ingredients** based on availability and your taste. In late spring, strawberries and raspberries would be delightful. During late summer, nectarines, plums, or even figs can offer a wonderful twist. Apples and pears could work well in the fall for a different seasonal vibe. Consider adding a handful of pomegranate seeds for a burst of tartness and color in the winter. Each fruit substitution brings a unique flavor profile, keeping this **easy summer salad** fresh and exciting year-round, always offering **vibrant flavors**.

Add other protein.

To transform this light side dish into a more substantial main course, consider adding a lean protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp would be excellent choices, adding a savory element that pairs well with the sweet fruit and tangy feta. For a vegetarian option, crumbled goat cheese (instead of feta, or in addition to it), toasted chickpeas, or even a hard-boiled egg can boost the protein content. A spoonful of quinoa could also be incorporated for a heartier, more filling salad. These additions make the **blueberry peach feta salad** a complete and satisfying **quick healthy meal**, suitable for any main course.

Enjoy your healthy meal today.

You’ve now mastered the art of creating a truly remarkable Blueberry Peach Feta Salad. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the simplicity and freshness of **seasonal ingredients**, combined to create a dish that’s both nourishing and incredibly flavorful. It perfectly embodies the idea that healthy eating can be both easy and utterly delicious. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and enticing aromas before you dive in. This salad is a celebration of summer, wellness, and effortless culinary pleasure.

A light and refreshing dish.

This **blueberry peach feta salad** is the epitome of a **light and refreshing dish**. Its crisp greens, juicy fruits, and tangy feta, all brought together by a simple yet zesty dressing, create a symphony of tastes that cleanses the palate and leaves you feeling invigorated. It’s perfect for those warm days when heavy meals just won’t do, offering a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your cravings without weighing you down. Enjoy this **quick healthy meal** as a delightful escape, a testament to the fact that wholesome eating can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. It’s truly a **delightful** culinary experience.