One of my favorite go-to summer salads is this Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese. This vibrant dish brings together fresh peaches, creamy goat cheese, heart-healthy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a light lunch. The sweet and savory flavors combined with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette make it truly unique and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad can be made in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using organic spinach and ripe peaches ensures you’re getting the best flavors of summer.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is great for your overall health.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, it fits well into various meal settings.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the dressing sweetness or substitute cheese to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delightful salad, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Salad serving bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for whisking the dressing together efficiently without spills.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth, emulsified vinaigrette by combining oil and vinegar perfectly.
- Salad serving bowl: Provides ample space for tossing all ingredients without making a mess.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese:
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 teaspoon 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 using:
1. Balsamic vinegar
2. Extra virgin olive oil
3. Minced garlic
4. Dijon mustard
5. Salt and pepper
6. Add sweetener if desired
Step 2: Toss the Spinach
In a large bowl:
1. Add the organic spinach.
2. Drizzle with your desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette.
3. Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Top your tossed spinach with:
1. Slices of fresh peaches.
2. Diced avocado.
3. Thinly sliced red onion.
4. Crumbled goat cheese (or feta).
5. Toasted almonds.
Step 4: Final Touches
Gently toss everything together again to mix all flavors before serving immediately.
Enjoy your vibrant Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese! This dish not only looks appealing but also bursts with flavor in every bite.
How to Serve Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
This vibrant Summer Peach Spinach Salad is perfect for warm days. It’s refreshing and packed with flavor, making it an ideal dish for lunch or a light dinner.
As a Standalone Meal
- Pair the salad with a chilled glass of white wine for a delightful lunch experience.
- Serve it as a light dinner option, complemented by whole grain bread on the side.
At Gatherings and Picnics
- Present the salad in a large bowl for sharing at barbecues or picnics.
- Pack individual servings in mason jars for easy transport and beautiful presentation.
Accompanied by Grilled Proteins
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein and heartiness.
- Pair with marinated tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option that enhances flavor profiles.
With Extra Garnishes
- Top each serving with additional toasted almonds or crumbled goat cheese for extra texture.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or mint to elevate the flavor even further.
How to Perfect Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
Creating the perfect Summer Peach Spinach Salad is about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your salad.
- Use ripe peaches: Choose peaches that yield slightly to pressure for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Opt for organic spinach leaves to ensure freshness and avoid pesticides.
- Toast almonds: Lightly toast the almonds in a skillet to bring out their nutty flavor before adding them to the salad.
- Chill ingredients: Keep your avocado and dressing cold before mixing to keep the salad refreshing on hot days.
- Adjust sweetness: Tailor the dressing’s sweetness by adjusting honey or maple syrup based on your preference.
- Add protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa if you want a more filling meal.
Best Side Dishes for Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light pilaf made with quinoa, herbs, and lemon zest adds a nutritious side.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is a classic summer treat that pairs well with salads.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers provide a fresh bite that complements the salad nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables: Season seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers; roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch while being an easy-to-make addition to any meal.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of summer fruits can balance flavors and provide refreshing bites between salad servings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing the Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these can help ensure your salad is fresh and delicious.
- Using Overripe Peaches: Overripe peaches can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose firm, ripe peaches for the best flavor and crunch.
- Skipping the Dressing: Some may overlook the importance of the dressing. Don’t skip it; a well-balanced balsamic vinaigrette adds depth and enhances all the ingredients.
- Cutting Ingredients Too Large: Larger pieces can make the salad difficult to eat. Slice peaches and dice avocado into bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment.
- Not Toasting Almonds: Toasted almonds bring a nutty flavor that raw almonds lack. Always toast your almonds before adding them to the salad for extra crunch.
- Assembling Too Early: Assembling the salad too far in advance can lead to soggy spinach. Toss everything together just before serving for maximum freshness.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
- Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
Freezing Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
- Not Recommended for Freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients like spinach and avocado, which can become mushy when thawed.
Reheating Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat gently on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes, avoiding overcooking.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 20 seconds; avoid overheating as fresh greens should be enjoyed cold.
- Stovetop: Sauté quickly over low heat in a non-stick pan just until warm; this method is best for avoiding sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese special?
This salad combines sweet peaches with creamy goat cheese and crunchy almonds, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures perfect for summer.
Can I customize the Summer Peach Spinach Salad?
Absolutely! You can swap out goat cheese for feta or add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
How do I keep my spinach fresh in this dish?
Store spinach separately from the other ingredients until you’re ready to serve. This prevents wilting and keeps it crisp.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just store each component separately and mix them right before eating to maintain freshness.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, maple syrup, or honey according to your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
The Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to customize according to your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or dressings to make it your own!
Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese is a delightful and refreshing dish that encapsulates the flavors of summer. This vibrant salad features juicy peaches, creamy goat cheese, healthy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a colorful and wholesome meal that bursts with flavor in every bite.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4–6 cups organic spinach
- 2 large ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles (or feta)
- 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and optional sweetener.
- In a large bowl, add the organic spinach and drizzle with desired amount of dressing; toss gently to combine.
- Top the spinach with peach slices, diced avocado, red onion, goat cheese (or feta), and toasted almonds.
- Gently toss everything together again before serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use ripe peaches for the best sweetness. Toast almonds in a skillet for enhanced flavor. Customize by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.