Looking for a light and refreshing summer salad that’s bursting with flavor? This Nectarine, Peach, and Cherry Summer Salad is the perfect choice. With juicy nectarines, sweet peaches, and plump cherries, this salad is a delightful combination of fresh fruits, vibrant greens, and a tangy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply enjoying a healthy meal, this salad is a must-try!
Key Highlights
- Fresh and Vibrant Ingredients: Sweet, juicy nectarines, peaches, and cherries paired with fresh arugula, basil, and tomatoes.
- Easy to Prepare: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect dish for busy summer days.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats from olive oil, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or a light lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
This salad is a celebration of the best summer fruits. The juicy nectarines, sweet peaches, and tart cherries blend perfectly with the peppery arugula and aromatic basil. A simple homemade dressing of extra-virgin olive oil and vinegar adds the perfect amount of tang and richness. The result? A fresh, vibrant, and colorful salad that’s light yet filling—ideal for any warm-weather occasion.
Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, enjoying it as a vegetarian main, or bringing it to a summer potluck, this salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
This salad combines a variety of fresh ingredients that provide both flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Red wine vinegar (or rosé vinegar) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Yellow cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Arugula | 1 (5-ounce) package |
| Fresh basil leaves | 3/4 cup |
| Nectarines (sliced) | 2 |
| White peach (sliced) | 1 large |
| Rainier or yellow-flesh cherries (pitted & halved) | 1 cup |
| Flaky sea salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Directions
Making this delicious salad is as easy as it is quick. Follow these simple steps to create a refreshing dish that’s bursting with flavor:
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This will be the perfect tangy dressing for your salad.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large platter, arrange the red and yellow cherry tomatoes, arugula, and basil leaves. Then, layer the sliced nectarines, white peach, and Rainier cherries on top.
- Dress and Garnish: Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Top with the remaining cherries, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and the rest of the dressing.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best served fresh, so enjoy it right away for the optimal flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for this refreshing summer salad:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 163 kcal |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Protein | 4g |
Why This Salad Works So Well
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of juicy fruits and peppery arugula creates a bright, refreshing salad. The tomatoes add a savory depth, while the peaches, nectarines, and cherries provide natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Balanced Dressing: The olive oil and vinegar dressing ties everything together with a perfect balance of richness and tang.
- Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep time, this salad is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for any last-minute meal or event.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with antioxidants from the fresh fruits and healthy fats from olive oil, this salad is as good for you as it is delicious.
Tips for Customizing Your Salad
This summer salad is very versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your preferences:
- Add Protein: If you want to turn this salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Swap the Fruits: Feel free to switch out the nectarines or peaches for other stone fruits, like plums or apricots, depending on what’s in season.
- Add Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese would add a lovely creaminess that pairs well with the fruit and arugula.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, hosting a summer BBQ, or looking for a refreshing side dish, this Nectarine, Peach, and Cherry Summer Salad is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, packed with vibrant colors and flavors, and perfectly suited for warm-weather dining.
Serving Tip: Serve the salad alongside grilled meats, seafood, or a cheese platter for a full, satisfying meal. It’s also great as a standalone vegetarian dish!
Final Thoughts
This Nectarine, Peach, and Cherry Summer Salad is the epitome of fresh, seasonal eating. With its vibrant colors, sweet and tangy flavors, and simple preparation, it’s the perfect dish to serve at any summer gathering. Not only will it impress your guests, but it’s also a healthy and light option that everyone will enjoy. So go ahead, mix up the perfect summer salad and savor the taste of the season!