Description
This Summer Peach Fruit Salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for warm weather. Combining ripe peaches, fresh berries, and a zesty honey-lime dressing, it’s a vibrant, colorful salad that bursts with sweet and tangy flavors. Optional toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese add a delightful texture and subtle savory note to balance the sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 6 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1 pint fresh raspberries
Herbs
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Wash peaches thoroughly, cut around the natural seam, twist to separate the halves, remove the pits, and slice into 1/2 inch thick wedges. Place these peach slices into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Berries: Gently rinse the blueberries and raspberries to keep them firm and fresh, then add them to the bowl containing the sliced peaches.
- Chop the Mint: Rinse and dry the fresh mint leaves. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice thinly to create a chiffonade. Add the chopped mint to the fruit mixture.
- Combine the Liquids: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, and orange juice until well combined.
- Add the Lime Zest: Grate the lime zest carefully into the dressing, avoiding white pith to prevent bitterness.
- Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk the dressing again until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth to ensure the flavors meld together.
- Pour the Dressing: Pour the prepared honey-lime dressing evenly over the bowl of mixed fruit.
- Gently Toss: Using a large spoon, gently toss the fruit with the dressing until all pieces are coated well without bruising the fruit.
- Chill (Optional): For an enhanced flavor blend, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes prior to serving.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Just before serving, sprinkle toasted slivered almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the fruit salad to add crunch and a subtle salty contrast.
Notes
- Using ripe but firm peaches ensures the slices hold their shape and texture in the salad.
- You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
- For extra zest, add a small pinch of chili flakes to the dressing for a slight kick.
- To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Storing the salad without toppings keeps the nuts and cheese fresh and prevents them from becoming soggy.
