Are you ready to elevate your salad game? This vibrant tomato peach salad is the perfect recipe for a light yet satisfying meal, showcasing the best of summer produce. Combining the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with the tangy burst of tomatoes, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and homemade cooking creations. This isn't your grandma's salad; it's a burst of sunshine on a plate!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry all produce. Thinly slice the peaches and red onion. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes. Chop the basil leaves. This step ensures your salad has the best texture and flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness and tang to your preference.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced peaches, tomatoes, and red onion. Be gentle to avoid bruising the peaches.
- Add the Dressing & Garnish: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and chopped basil.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately after assembling.
Tips for the Best Tomato Peach Salad:
- Peach Selection: Choose ripe, but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overly soft peaches, as they may become mushy in the salad.
- Red Onion Hack: If you find red onion too strong, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help mellow the flavor.
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different dressings! A simple lemon vinaigrette would also be delicious. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Consider adding other ingredients like cucumbers, avocado, toasted pecans, or goat cheese for added flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This delicious and healthy tomato peach salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a simple yet impressive dinner. It's one of the best recipes for showcasing summer's bounty, and it's sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!