Greetings, food lovers! Chef Bin Jaoe here, and today I’m excited to share a refreshing and vibrant salad that perfectly captures the essence of summer—Peach Arugula Salad. The sweetness of ripe peaches, paired with the peppery bite of arugula, creates a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This salad is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, making it the ideal dish to serve at any summer gathering, picnic, or as a satisfying side for a light lunch or dinner.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a salad that celebrates the season and brings out the best in fresh produce. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why peach and arugula make such an incredible pairing!

Discover more refreshing recipes and tips in our Summer Salads article to help you create the perfect dish for any warm-weather gathering!

Why Peach Arugula Salad is the Ultimate Summer Dish

Summer is all about enjoying fresh, vibrant flavors, and peaches are one of the best fruits to feature in your meals. Their juicy sweetness is a perfect match for the peppery, slightly bitter taste of arugula. The contrast of these two ingredients in a salad is refreshing and exciting, making it a perfect dish to enjoy on a warm day.

The Sweetness of Peaches Meets the Peppery Arugula

One of the reasons I love this salad is the balance of flavors. The peaches provide a natural sweetness, while the arugula offers a sharp, peppery contrast. This combination of sweet and savory creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both satisfying and light.

A Light and Energizing Salad

Arugula is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which help boost your energy and overall health. Paired with the hydrating peaches, this salad will leave you feeling refreshed and energized, without being too heavy.

How to Make Peach Arugula Salad

This peach arugula salad is incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can put together a salad that’s perfect for any summer occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this simple yet delicious salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 ripe peaches, sliced
  
• 4 cups of fresh arugula
  
• 1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
  
• 1/4 cup of toasted almonds or walnuts
  
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  
• 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional)
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• Fresh basil or mint leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  

The Steps to Assemble the Salad

1. Prepare the Peaches: Start by slicing the ripe peaches into thin wedges. You can remove the pit if you prefer, but I love leaving it in and cutting around it for an authentic feel.
   
2. Prepare the Arugula: Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly. Arugula is delicate, so you want to make sure it’s crisp and fresh before adding it to the salad.
   
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the arugula and sliced peaches. Gently toss the ingredients together, being careful not to bruise the peaches.
   
4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta (if using) over the salad for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the peaches. Add the toasted nuts for crunch and texture.
   
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey or maple syrup. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
6. Finish with Garnish: For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle fresh basil or mint leaves on top for a fragrant, herbaceous finish.
   

Why Peach and Arugula Are the Perfect Pairing

Peaches and arugula may seem like an unexpected combination, but trust me, they work wonders together. The sweetness of the peaches is enhanced by the peppery flavor of the arugula, creating a balanced dish that highlights the best of both ingredients.

The Contrast of Flavors

The peppery notes of arugula help to cut through the rich sweetness of the peaches, making each bite more interesting. The fresh, juicy peaches bring a refreshing quality to the salad, while the arugula adds depth and complexity, elevating the flavor profile.

The Nutritional Benefits

Both peaches and arugula are nutrient-dense ingredients. Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, immunity, and vision. Arugula, on the other hand, is high in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like calcium and potassium. Together, they make for a light yet nutrient-packed salad.

Variations on the Classic Peach Arugula Salad

While the classic peach arugula salad is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add Protein for a Hearty Meal

If you’re looking to turn this salad into a complete meal, adding protein is a great option. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even grilled steak work beautifully in this salad. The smoky flavors from the grilled protein will complement the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.

Swap the Cheese

Goat cheese and feta are both excellent choices for this salad, but if you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, blue cheese or Parmesan shavings work wonderfully as well. Each cheese brings its own unique richness to the dish.

Include Other Seasonal Fruits

While peaches are the star of this salad, you can experiment with other fruits like nectarines, plums, or even strawberries. These fruits are also in season during the summer months and will add additional depth and variety to your salad.

Tips for the Best Peach Arugula Salad

To ensure your peach arugula salad turns out perfectly, here are a few tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years:

Use Ripe Peaches

The key to a delicious peach arugula salad is using ripe, juicy peaches. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. If your peaches aren’t quite ripe, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few days to ripen naturally.

Toast the Nuts for Extra Flavor

Toasting your nuts brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor. Whether you use almonds, walnuts, or pecans, a quick toasting on the stovetop or in the oven makes all the difference.

Keep the Dressing Light

Since the peaches are so flavorful, you don’t need a heavy dressing. A light balsamic vinaigrette is all you need to enhance the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of the peaches.

FAQs About Peach Arugula Salad

Can I make peach arugula salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the salad ahead of time by slicing the peaches and washing the arugula. However, it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

What are some good substitutions for arugula?

If arugula isn’t available, you can use other leafy greens like spinach, mixed greens, or even kale. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even nectarines for a different twist. The beauty of this salad is its versatility.

Conclusion

Peach arugula salad is the perfect way to celebrate the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer. The combination of juicy peaches, peppery arugula, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts makes for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light meal, this salad will leave your guests wanting more.

As always, happy cooking from Chef Bin Jaoe, and don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh, seasonal ingredients to create your own culinary masterpiece!

Peach Arugula Salad: A Sweet and Peppery Summer Delight by Chef Bin Jaoe

Recipe by Chef Bin JaoeCourse: homeCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Peach Arugula Salad

Total time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 3 ripe peaches, sliced

• 4 cups of fresh arugula

• 1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)

• 1/4 cup of toasted almonds or walnuts

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil or mint leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Peaches:
• Start by slicing the ripe peaches into thin wedges. You can remove the pit if you prefer, but I love leaving it in and cutting around it for a more rustic feel.
• Prepare the Arugula:
• Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly. Arugula is delicate, so make sure it’s crisp and fresh before adding it to the salad.
• Assemble the Salad:
• In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula and sliced peaches. Gently toss them together, being careful not to bruise the peaches.
• Add Toppings:
• Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta (if using) over the salad. Add the toasted nuts for crunch and texture.
• Make the Dressing:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Finish with Garnish:
• For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or mint leaves on top for a fragrant finish.
• Serve:
• Enjoy your Peach Arugula Salad immediately, or refrigerate for a short time before serving. It’s a light, refreshing salad that’s perfect for summer!