If you’re looking for a charmingly fresh and flavorful dish to brighten your table, the Peach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is exactly the kind of summer delight you need. This salad is a perfect harmony of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements that come together effortlessly in just minutes. Juicy peach slices mingle with soft mozzarella, crunchy toasted nuts, peppery greens, and a drizzle of luscious balsamic glaze, making every bite a celebration of vibrant textures and fresh flavors. Whether you want a light lunch, a stunning side, or an appetizer that wows, this salad brings unbeatable freshness in a simple, elegant way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of texture, color, and taste that make the salad truly remarkable.
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced: Choose peaches that are sweet and fragrant for the best natural juiciness and flavor.
- 4 cups mixed greens or arugula: They add freshness and a subtle peppery note that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta: Creamy cheese provides softness and slight acidity to contrast the fruit.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds a sharp bite and vibrant color that brightens the salad visually and on the palate.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted: Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and offers a satisfying crunch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil: This herb infuses the salad with a sweet, aromatic freshness.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinaigrette: The glaze’s rich tangy sweetness ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Peach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing the mixed greens or arugula thoroughly and slicing your peaches into even, bite-sized wedges. If using fresh mozzarella, drain and pat dry any excess moisture to keep the salad from becoming soggy. Thinly slice red onion for just the right hint of sharpness. Lastly, toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then roughly chop them for texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl or on a pretty serving platter, arrange a generous layer of the greens first to create a vibrant base. Then, place the peach slices evenly over the greens. Scatter the fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta next, followed by slivers of red onion and the crunchy toasted nuts. This layering keeps each flavor distinct yet harmonious in every forkful.
Step 3: Add Fresh Basil and Season
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil all over the salad for a burst of herbaceous aroma and brightness. Then lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of each ingredient without overpowering their delicate notes.
Step 4: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze and Toss Gently
Right before serving, drizzle the salad with the balsamic glaze or vinaigrette. This finishing touch brings a glossy, tangy sweetness that complements the peaches perfectly. You can either toss the salad gently to blend everything or serve it as a composed salad for a more elegant presentation.
How to Serve Peach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of appeal, garnish the salad with a few whole fresh basil leaves or additional toasted nuts on top. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a delightful crunch and enhance all the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a simple roasted vegetable side dish to make a complete, nutritious meal. It’s also a fantastic companion to crusty artisanal bread or a light pasta dish for summer dining.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Peach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe layered in individual clear glass cups for an elegant appetizer or a casual garden party buffet. You can also arrange peach slices around the edge of the salad as a colorful border or stack the ingredients in a tall glass bowl for visual impact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the peaches and greens from becoming soggy, pack the dressing separately and toss just before serving. The salad is best enjoyed within one day to savor the freshness.
Freezing
This Peach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is not suitable for freezing since the fresh ingredients and cheese will lose their texture and flavor upon thawing.
Reheating
Because it’s a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute feta cheese for mozzarella?
Absolutely! Feta adds a tangier, saltier profile while mozzarella is milder and creamier, so either works beautifully depending on your taste preference.
Is it necessary to toast the nuts?
Toasting the pecans or walnuts really enhances their flavor and crunch, but if you’re short on time, you can use them raw — just expect slightly less depth in taste.
Can I use frozen peaches in this recipe?
Fresh peaches are best for this salad to keep the texture firm and juicy. Frozen peaches tend to be softer and waterier, which might make the salad soggy.
What else can I add to make this salad more filling?
Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto turns this into a robust, satisfying meal without overpowering the fresh flavors of the salad.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the salad fresh, colorful, and entirely vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with elegance effortlessly. It’s perfect for those sunny days when you crave something light, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavors. I encourage you to try it exactly as it is or feel free to jazz it up with your favorite add-ins. Once you taste the juicy peaches complemented by creamy mozzarella and tangy balsamic glaze, you’ll want to make this salad your new go-to anytime summer peaches are in season!
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Peach Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Peach Salad featuring ripe peaches, mixed greens, fresh mozzarella or feta, red onion, toasted nuts, and a touch of fresh basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze or vinaigrette. Perfect as a light appetizer or a healthy summer meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens or arugula
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the ripe peaches and thinly slice the red onion. Toast the pecans or walnuts lightly to bring out their flavor if not already toasted.
- Layer Salad: In a large salad bowl or on a serving platter, arrange the mixed greens or arugula as the base. Layer the peach slices evenly over the greens, followed by the fresh mozzarella balls or crumbled feta, then the sliced red onions and toasted nuts.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Season: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the layered salad. Lightly season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze or balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad. You can gently toss the salad to combine or leave it composed for an elegant presentation.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Grill the peach slices for extra flavor and caramelization before assembling the salad.
- Add prosciutto or grilled chicken to transform it into a more substantial main course.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
