Peach and Berry Salad

A perfect fusion of sweet, tangy, and herbal flavors, this Peach and Berry Salad is the epitome oSo, this salad? It’s like summer in a bowl. Juicy peaches, sweet berries, and a little honey—yum, it’s so fresh.

I tossed it together one afternoon, and it was gone in minutes. It’s light, it’s pretty, and yeah, it tastes amazing too.

If you want something quick and fruity, this is the one. Perfect for snacks, brunch, or honestly… just because.

Why You’ll Love This Peach and Berry Salad

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a barbecue, a fresh addition to your brunch spread, or a light summer dessert, this salad fits the bill.
• Flavorful and Fresh: The sweetness of peaches and nectarines blends perfectly with the tartness of blueberries, while the ginger and lemon zest elevate the fruit flavors with a subtle kick.
• Quick and Easy: This salad can be put together in just 15 minutes! The longest part of the recipe is cutting the fruit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: While this salad is best served fresh, you can prepare the fruit and dressing in advance for convenience.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, this Peach and Berry Salad is not only delicious but also great for your health.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Sharp Knife: For cutting the peaches, nectarines, and other fruits.
• Cutting Board: For safe and easy fruit prep.
• Large Bowl: To toss the salad ingredients together.
• Small Bowl or Jar: To whisk together the lemony dressing.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients.
• Serving Dish or Plates: For serving the salad.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant, refreshing salad (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Peaches: 4 ripe, juicy peaches – sliced.
• Nectarines: 4 nectarines – sliced.
• Blueberries: 1 cup fresh blueberries, bursting with flavor.
• Fresh Thyme: 2 teaspoons of fresh, chopped thyme to add a savory note.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon of grated ginger for a fresh zing.
• Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance the fruit flavors.
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon for an extra citrusy kick.
• Water: 1/2 cup – optional, depending on your sweetness preference.
• Sugar: 1/4 cup – you may adjust based on the sweetness of your fruit. You can also use agave syrup (1 tablespoon) as a healthier alternative.

Variations for Peach and Berry Salad

While the original recipe is perfectly balanced, feel free to customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:

• Add More Berries: If you’re a berry lover, feel free to add raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for even more texture and flavor.
• Herb Swap: You can experiment with different herbs. Basil or mint could replace thyme for a different aromatic experience.
• Make it Creamy: Top the salad with a dollop of whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of mascarpone cheese for an indulgent twist.
• Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans would make a lovely addition.
• Dressing Variations: Swap the lemon juice for lime juice for a tropical vibe, or add a splash of orange juice for added citrus notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit

Start by washing all your fruit thoroughly. If you’re using organic produce, there’s no need to peel the peaches or nectarines, as the skin adds color and texture to the salad.

• Slice the peaches and nectarines into bite-sized wedges. These fruits provide a sweet, juicy base for the salad.
• Rinse the blueberries gently, being careful not to crush them. Fresh, plump blueberries will give the salad bursts of sweetness.
• Add all of these fruits to a large mixing bowl, setting them aside for now.

2. Prepare the Dressing

Now, let’s move on to the zesty dressing. This is what brings all the flavors together and makes the salad pop.

• In a small bowl or jar, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh thyme.
• Grate fresh ginger and add it to the mix. The ginger adds a wonderful zing and slightly earthy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit.
• For sweetness, you can stir in sugar or agave syrup (depending on your preference). If your peaches and nectarines are extra sweet, you can skip the sugar entirely.
• Add water (or more lemon juice) to the mixture, depending on how tangy or sweet you like your dressing.
• Whisk everything together until well combined. The dressing should be tangy with a subtle sweetness.

3. Toss the Salad

Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the prepared fruit in your large bowl. Toss gently, making sure all the fruit is coated with the citrusy, herby dressing. The fresh thyme and lemon zest will elevate the natural flavors of the peaches, nectarines, and blueberries.

4. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Peach and Berry Salad to a serving dish or individual plates. You can garnish the salad with a little more fresh thyme or even some extra zest for a touch of color and flavor.

This salad is best served immediately, as the fruits will stay fresh and vibrant, but if you need to make it ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the fruit just before serving.

How to Serve Peach and Berry Salad

This Peach and Berry Salad is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• As a Side Salad: Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a light, summery meal. It also complements pork dishes beautifully.
• With a Cheese Board: Serve alongside a cheese platter with creamy goat cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar. The sweetness of the fruit pairs wonderfully with cheese.
• As a Standalone Dish: This salad is perfect as a light lunch or an afternoon snack. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy treat, this is the way to go.
• With Grilled Meats: It makes an excellent accompaniment to BBQs, providing a refreshing contrast to smoky, grilled flavors.
• As a Dessert: If you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy, this salad can also be served as a light dessert after a meal.

Storing Peach and Berry Salad

While fresh is best, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the fruit will begin to release juices, and the salad may become a bit soggy, so I recommend serving it as soon as possible.

If you’re planning to prepare the salad ahead of time, store the fruit and dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	120
Carbohydrates	31g
Protein	1g
Fat	0g
Fiber	4g
Sugars	22g
Vitamin C	30% Daily Value
Vitamin A	15% Daily Value
Calcium	2% Daily Value
Iron	2% Daily Value

This salad is light, refreshing, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. The fruit provides a natural source of sugar, making it a healthier option for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without indulging in processed sweets.

Conclusion

This Peach and Berry Salad is the perfect addition to any meal or can stand alone as a light, healthy snack. With its fresh, vibrant flavors, it’s bound to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it’s so simple to make – you’ll find yourself making it over and over again! Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite fruits, herbs, or toppings for a new twist each time.

Enjoy the burst of fresh, fruity flavors, and let this salad become a staple in your summer menu!

Peach and Berry Salad FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for this salad?

While fresh fruit works best for this recipe, you can use frozen fruit if necessary. Just ensure the fruit is thawed and drained to prevent excess liquid in the salad.

How can I make this salad vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan, as long as you skip any dairy-based garnishes like cheese or whipped cream.

Can I add nuts for crunch?

Yes! Feel free to add toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans to give the salad some extra texture.