Blueberry peach feta salad offers a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and refreshing flavors ideal for summer. The salad is tossed in a tangy lemon basil vinaigrette that enhances its fresh ingredients. It provides a quick, delicious option for hot days when cooking feels challenging. During peach season, especially when Colorado peaches are at their peak, the natural sweetness of peaches and blueberries complements the savory feta and crisp Persian cucumbers beautifully. This salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meals and summer barbecues.
Ingredients for this blueberry peach feta salad recipe
Below is the list of ingredients for the blueberry peach feta salad
Fresh blueberries (1 pint)
Fresh blueberries add a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the salad. They provide a juicy texture that enhances the overall flavor. If fresh blueberries aren’t available, strawberries or blackberries make a good substitute.
Peaches (2, diced)
Diced peaches offer a juicy, sweet flavor that complements the tartness of the other ingredients. They contribute a soft texture and can be substituted with nectarines if preferred. Their vibrant color also makes the dish more appealing.
Persian cucumbers (2, sliced)
Persian cucumbers deliver a refreshing crunch and crisp texture without the need for peeling. They add a bright, clean flavor that balances the sweetness of the fruits. If Persian cucumbers are unavailable, you can use English cucumbers, ideally with the seeds removed.
Crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup)
Feta cheese introduces a tangy, salty note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and fresh components. It helps to add depth and richness to the salad. For a different twist, you may substitute feta with goat cheese, queso fresco, or ricotta salata.
Fresh Lemon Juice (3 tablespoons)
Fresh lemon juice provides a zesty acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile. It helps to balance the sweetness of the fruits while uniting all the ingredients. This ingredient is essential for a refreshing finish.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon)
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the dressing. It enhances the complexity of the salad without overpowering the other ingredients. Its smooth consistency blends seamlessly with the lemon juice.
Honey (1 tablespoon)
Honey contributes a natural sweetness that complements the tangy lemon juice and savory feta. It creates a harmonious balance in the flavor profile. If desired, you can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different note of sweetness.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
Olive oil enriches the salad with healthy fats and helps to marry the flavors of all the ingredients. It adds a smooth, luxurious texture to the dressing. This ingredient is key to achieving a well-balanced and cohesive dish.
Finely Chopped Basil (1 tablespoon)
Fresh basil offers an aromatic, herbal note that elevates the salad’s overall flavor. Its bright green color also enhances the visual appeal of the dish. The basil ties all the flavors together with its refreshing zest.
Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
These seasonings are essential for balancing and highlighting the flavors in the salad. They should be adjusted according to personal taste for the best results. Their use ensures the salad remains flavorful and well-seasoned throughout.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients just as you would for an everyday salad. Dice the peaches and slice the cucumbers, then add them to a large serving bowl along with the blueberries. Finally, combine the blueberries, peaches, cucumbers, and feta to create a delicious, well-mixed salad base.
Step 2: Whenever preparing a dish that features feta, I always choose a block of feta and crumble it myself. I believe this approach results in a superior flavor since it is less dry and free from the anti-caking additives found in pre-crumbled or shredded varieties. For this salad, you may crumble or cube the feta as you prefer. Next, combine the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper in a jar with a lid or a measuring cup. Finally, shake or whisk the vinaigrette until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: The final step involves preparing the lemon vinaigrette. First, combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a jar. Next, thinly slice fresh basil (chiffonade) and mix it into the jar. Secure the lid and shake until all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Finally, pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all components evenly. You may serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it until ready to enjoy; remember to taste and adjust the seasoning and garnish with extra basil before serving.
Helpful tips for this salad
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this salad is easily made vegan. Simply omit the feta cheese and replace the honey in the lemon vinaigrette with maple syrup. You may also add a can of chickpeas to enhance its heartiness and protein content.
How long does the salad remain fresh?
The salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a few days. Over time, you may observe that the peaches become softer and the feta starts to break down, yet the flavor remains delightful.
Is it possible to prepare the salad in advance?
Parts of the salad can be prepared ahead of time. You may slice the peaches and mix them with the cucumbers and blueberries a day in advance. The vinaigrette can also be made several days before serving. However, I recommend waiting until the day you plan to enjoy the salad to add the fresh basil and feta and toss everything together with the vinaigrette.
Do you love this blueberry peach feta salad? Take a look at our other fruit salad recipes here
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