One of my favorite go-to summer salads is this Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese. This vibrant dish combines fresh peaches, creamy goat cheese, and heart-healthy avocado, making it a perfect option for picnics or light lunches. The crunchy toasted almonds add a delightful texture, while the homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a meal at home, this salad shines with its bright flavors and colorful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This salad features seasonal peaches and organic spinach that ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time at all.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, this salad fits well into many meal contexts.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from avocado and almonds, this salad is both satisfying and good for you.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Salad tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine ingredients easily without spilling.
- Whisk: A whisk helps create a smooth vinaigrette by blending the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
- Salad tongs: Use these to toss your salad gently without crushing delicate ingredients like peaches and avocados.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4-6 cups organic spinach
- 2 large peaches, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles (or sub feta)
- 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons sugar, pure maple syrup or honey to sweeten dressing
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette ingredients:
* Balsamic vinegar
* Olive oil
* Minced garlic
* Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper
If desired, add a sweetener like sugar or honey to balance the acidity.
Step 2: Combine the Spinach and Dressing
In a large bowl, add the spinach. Drizzle it with your desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat the leaves evenly.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Top the dressed spinach with:
* Sliced peaches
* Diced avocado
* Thinly sliced red onion
* Crumbled goat cheese
* Toasted almonds
Toss very gently again to combine all ingredients without mashing them.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Plate your salad immediately for best results. Enjoy your refreshing Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese as a delightful lunch or side dish!
How to Serve Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
This Summer Peach Spinach Salad is vibrant and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather. Here are some suggestions on how to serve this delightful salad for various occasions.
For a Light Lunch
- Pair with whole grain bread or a light sandwich for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside a chilled soup, like gazpacho, for a refreshing combination.
At a Barbecue
- Offer this salad as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish for a flavorful contrast.
- Add it to a buffet table where guests can build their own plates.
As an Appetizer
- Present the salad in small cups for easy serving at parties.
- Garnish with extra toasted almonds on top for added crunch and appeal.
For Meal Prep
- Pack the salad ingredients separately to maintain freshness and texture.
- Assemble just before eating to enjoy the best flavors and crispness.
How to Perfect Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
To elevate your Summer Peach Spinach Salad, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that yield slightly when pressed. This ensures sweetness and juiciness in your salad.
- Toast the almonds: Enhance the flavor by toasting almonds in a dry skillet until golden brown. This adds depth to your dish.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or mint can brighten up the taste of your salad and add an aromatic touch.
- Experiment with cheese: While goat cheese is creamy and tangy, feta or blue cheese can also be delicious alternatives based on your preference.
- Make ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to serve.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste your dressing before mixing. You can customize sweetness by adjusting honey or maple syrup according to preference.
Best Side Dishes for Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
This peach spinach salad pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some excellent options.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken marinated in herbs provides protein while enhancing the summer vibe.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds heartiness and complements the flavors of peach and avocado well.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a classic side dish that balances sweetness and acidity.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with lime butter offers a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with this salad.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the tangy goat cheese.
- Fruit Platter: An assortment of seasonal fruits keeps things light and fresh, highlighting summer’s bounty.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad adds texture and makes for a filling side option alongside the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes while preparing your Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese. Here are some common pitfalls and how you can avoid them.
- Skipping the fresh ingredients: Always use fresh, ripe peaches and high-quality spinach. This salad shines with the freshest produce, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Overdressing the salad: Be careful not to drown your salad in dressing. Start with a little and add more as needed to keep it balanced without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Not toasting the almonds: Toasting your almonds adds a depth of flavor and crunch. Skipping this step may result in a less enjoyable texture. Simply toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes.
- Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to season your salad with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning elevates the dish, so taste as you go!
- Assembling too early: To keep your salad crisp, assemble just before serving. If made too early, the spinach can wilt and lose its vibrant color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
- The salad is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
Freezing Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the textures of spinach and avocado after thawing.
- Instead, prepare only what you plan to eat fresh.
Reheating Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
- Oven: If you need warmed ingredients like toasted almonds, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Use the microwave sparingly; heat at low power in short intervals to avoid cooking the spinach or avocado.
- Stovetop: Gently warm any components in a pan over low heat, being cautious not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese?
Yes! Feel free to add other fruits like berries or nuts of your choice. You can also swap goat cheese for feta or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
What other dressings work well with this peach salad?
While balsamic vinaigrette is delicious, citrus dressings or honey mustard dressings also complement the ingredients beautifully.
How can I make this Summer Peach Spinach Salad vegetarian-friendly?
The original recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure any additional toppings align with vegetarian guidelines.
How do I choose ripe peaches for my salad?
Select peaches that are slightly soft when gently squeezed but not overly mushy. A sweet aroma is also a good indicator of ripeness.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese is not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for lunch or as a side dish at gatherings, it can be customized according to your preferences. Try experimenting with different fruits or nuts to make it uniquely yours!
Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
Enjoy a refreshing burst of summer flavors with this vibrant Summer Peach Spinach Salad. Combining juicy peaches, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, this salad is perfect for picnics or light lunches. Crunchy toasted almonds add texture, while a homemade balsamic vinaigrette brings everything together. Whether served as a main dish or a delightful side, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for busy days or when entertaining guests.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4–6 cups organic spinach
- 2 large peaches, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons sugar, pure maple syrup or honey to sweeten dressing
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Sweeten if desired.
- Prepare the Spinach: In a large bowl, combine spinach with your desired amount of dressing and toss gently.
- Add Toppings: Layer sliced peaches, diced avocado, red onion, goat cheese crumbles, and toasted almonds on top of the dressed spinach. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the salad right away for the freshest taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg