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Sweet Peach Goat Cheese Salad

Featured in: Light, Crisp, and Delicious

This Sweet Peach Goat Cheese Salad transforms ordinary salad ingredients into a memorable dish that perfectly captures summer's bounty. What makes this salad special is the thoughtful balance of contrasting elements—sweet juicy peaches against tangy goat cheese, crisp cucumber alongside soft greens, and crunchy almonds providing texture throughout. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette elevates everything with its perfect blend of sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and rich olive oil, creating a dressing far superior to store-bought alternatives. This versatile recipe works with various greens, from hearty kale that gets massaged with dressing to delicate spring mix for a lighter approach. Fresh herbs like basil and mint add bright, aromatic notes that complement the peaches beautifully, while the unsalted roasted almonds provide a necessary crunch and subtle nuttiness. Perfect as a light lunch on its own or as a sophisticated side to grilled proteins, this simple 15-minute salad proves that when quality seasonal ingredients are thoughtfully combined, minimal effort can yield maximum flavor.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 23:58:24 GMT
A plate of fruit salad with peaches, plums, and cherries, drizzled with balsamic glaze. Pin it
A plate of fruit salad with peaches, plums, and cherries, drizzled with balsamic glaze. | tasteofcook.com

Peach goat cheese salad captures the essence of summer in every refreshing, vibrant bite. Perfectly ripe peaches offer sweet juiciness alongside cool crisp cucumbers, while toasted almonds provide satisfying crunch and nutty depth.

Vibrant Dressing Components

  • Olive Oil: Provides silky body and heart-healthy fats as dressing foundation.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Contributes sweet tanginess that complements peaches perfectly.
  • Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier while adding subtle complexity.
  • Honey: Introduces natural sweetness that balances acidity beautifully.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances all surrounding flavors without overwhelming.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spice notes.

Fresh Salad Ingredients

  • Large Peaches: Deliver sweet juiciness and stunning color throughout.
  • Crisp Cucumbers: Contribute refreshing crunch and cooling elements.
  • Fresh Herbs: Introduce aromatic complexity and visual interest.
  • Mixed Greens: Create the perfect foundation with varied textures.
  • Roasted Almonds: Provide satisfying crunch and protein boost.
  • Crumbled Goat Cheese: Adds creamy tanginess that ties everything together.

Creation Process

Vinaigrette Preparation Technique:
Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a jar. Secure lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
Ingredient Preparation Method:
Slice peaches and cucumbers into thin wedges or rounds. Pick and chop fresh herbs.
Greens Preparation Strategy:
If using kale, massage with dressing for 3-5 minutes to soften. For delicate greens, simply place in serving bowl.
Final Assembly Approach:
Arrange greens, peaches, cucumbers, and herbs. Scatter roasted almonds and goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently before serving.
A plate of food with peaches, lettuce, and feta cheese. Pin it
A plate of food with peaches, lettuce, and feta cheese. | tasteofcook.com

Meal Completion Ideas

Add grilled herb-marinated chicken for a protein-rich meal, or serve as an elegant first course with individually plated portions.

Creative Adaptation Options

Swap almonds for pistachios and add red onion for a Mediterranean twist. Use mixed stone fruits for a more colorful variation.

A plate of salad with peaches, cucumbers, and blue cheese. Pin it
A plate of salad with peaches, cucumbers, and blue cheese. | tasteofcook.com

Peach goat cheese salad highlights summer’s best flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of peaches work best for this salad?
For this salad, you want peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to slice cleanly. Yellow peaches tend to offer the best balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the other ingredients. White peaches work too but are generally sweeter with less tang. The peaches should yield slightly to gentle pressure but shouldn't be so soft that they fall apart when sliced. If your peaches aren't quite ripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days to speed up ripening. In a pinch, nectarines make an excellent substitute with a similar flavor profile.
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
While this salad is best assembled just before serving, you can prep most components ahead of time. The dressing can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Nuts can be chopped and stored in an airtight container. If using kale, you can clean, chop, and even massage it with dressing up to 24 hours ahead (kale holds up well when dressed). However, wait to slice the peaches and cucumbers until shortly before serving to prevent browning and water release. For the freshest presentation, assemble all components within an hour of serving, adding the goat cheese and final drizzle of dressing at the last minute.
→ What can I substitute for goat cheese if I don't like it?
If goat cheese isn't your preference, there are several alternatives that work beautifully in this salad. Feta cheese offers a similar crumbly texture with a slightly less tangy flavor. Ricotta salata provides a milder, firmer option that can be crumbled over the salad. For a softer texture, fresh burrata torn into pieces creates a creamy element that pairs wonderfully with peaches. If you prefer a non-dairy option, avocado adds creaminess, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can provide a savory element. Each alternative will change the character of the salad slightly but will still complement the sweet peaches and balsamic dressing.
→ Why does the recipe specify unsalted almonds?
The recipe calls for unsalted almonds to give you complete control over the salad's overall saltiness. The dressing already contains salt, and goat cheese adds its own salty tanginess. Using salted almonds might make the final dish too salty, throwing off the delicate balance of flavors. That said, if you only have salted almonds on hand, you can still use them—just reduce the salt in the dressing accordingly. For variation, unsalted toasted pecans, walnuts, or pistachios also work well in this salad, each bringing their own unique flavor profile while maintaining the important textural contrast.
→ What's the difference between white and dark balsamic vinegar in this recipe?
The main difference between white and dark balsamic vinegar in this recipe is aesthetic and subtly flavor-related. White balsamic vinegar is lighter in color and often slightly milder in flavor, allowing the vibrant colors of the peaches and greens to shine without darkening them. Traditional dark balsamic vinegar has a deeper, more caramelized flavor profile and will give the dressing a richer brown color that may slightly tint the lighter ingredients in the salad. Both options taste wonderful in this recipe, so the choice comes down to visual preference and which type you have on hand. If using dark balsamic, you might need slightly less honey, as it tends to be naturally sweeter.
→ What protein would pair well with this salad to make it a complete meal?
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with several protein options to create a complete meal. Grilled chicken breast seasoned simply with herbs complements the flavors without overwhelming them. For a seafood option, grilled shrimp or salmon offer delicate flavors that work especially well with the peaches. For vegetarian proteins, add chickpeas tossed in a little of the dressing, or serve with a side of quinoa. Plant-based eaters might enjoy grilled tofu or tempeh glazed with a touch of balsamic vinegar. For an elegant dinner party, seared scallops make this salad feel especially luxurious. Whichever protein you choose, keep the seasoning relatively simple to allow the salad's nuanced flavors to shine.

Sweet Peach Goat Cheese Salad

This fresh summer salad combines sweet peaches with tangy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and fresh herbs, all dressed in a honey-balsamic vinaigrette.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Fresh Salad Ideas

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Modern American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Balsamic Vinaigrette

01 ¾ cup olive oil
02 ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (white or dark)
03 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
04 1-2 tablespoons honey, to taste
05 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
06 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Salad Base

07 6-8 cups mixed greens (kale, spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach)
08 2 large ripe but firm peaches, sliced
09 1 cup sliced cucumbers
10 ½ cup fresh herbs (combination of basil and mint recommended)
11 ⅓ cup chopped roasted almonds, unsalted
12 ½ cup crumbled goat cheese

Instructions

Step 01

In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired, or adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. White balsamic vinegar creates a lighter-colored dressing that won't darken the salad ingredients, but traditional dark balsamic works beautifully as well.

Step 02

Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Slice the peaches into thin wedges or half-moons, removing the pit. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. Gently tear or roughly chop the fresh herbs. If using whole almonds, roughly chop them into smaller pieces for better distribution throughout the salad.

Step 03

If using kale as your base green, remove the tough center stems and tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale in a large bowl and drizzle with approximately half of the prepared dressing. Using clean hands, massage the dressing into the kale leaves for about 1-2 minutes. This important step helps break down the fibrous texture of kale, making it more tender and palatable. Allow the dressed kale to sit for about 5 minutes before assembling the salad, which further softens the leaves.

Step 04

On a large serving platter or in a wide salad bowl, arrange your base greens (either the massaged kale or your choice of spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach). Layer the sliced peaches and cucumbers over the greens in an attractive arrangement. Scatter the fresh herbs throughout the salad. Sprinkle the chopped roasted almonds evenly across the salad for crunch. Finally, distribute the crumbled goat cheese over the top of the salad.

Step 05

If using spring mix or other delicate greens (not pre-dressed kale), drizzle additional dressing over the assembled salad just before serving. Start with a modest amount and add more as desired—the dressing is flavorful and a little goes a long way. Serve immediately while fresh. The recipe makes more dressing than you'll likely need for one salad; store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

  1. This refreshing summer salad combines sweet peaches with tangy goat cheese and a honey-balsamic dressing for a perfect balance of flavors.
  2. The dressing recipe makes enough for approximately two salads; store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
  3. For the best flavor, choose peaches that are ripe but still firm enough to slice neatly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Glass jar with tight-fitting lid for dressing
  • Large salad bowl or serving platter
  • Sharp knife for slicing fruits and vegetables
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds)
  • Contains dairy (goat cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 7 g