This Fresh Summer Chopped Tomato and Peach Salad is a colorful dish that’s perfect for warm days. Sweet peaches and juicy tomatoes dance together with a splash of tangy dressing!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up, plus it brings a burst of flavor to any meal. I often enjoy it as a side for grilled chicken—so refreshing and tasty! 🍑🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems bring juicy sweetness to the salad. If they’re out of season, you can swap them for diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add a unique sweetness. If you can’t find them, nectarines or even mango slices work well and offer a nice fruity kick.
Feta Cheese: Feta offers a tangy creaminess. If you’re looking for alternatives, try goat cheese for a similar taste, or use a dairy-free feta if you’re lactose intolerant.
Cured Meat: Salami adds saltiness and depth. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using marinated artichoke hearts or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Crispy Fried Onions: These add crunch and flavor. If you’re skipping processed foods, you can use homemade toasted breadcrumbs or nuts for a healthier crunch.
How Do You Make the Salad Dressing Just Right?
A great salad dressing ties all the ingredients together, so it’s essential to get it right. Start with good quality olive oil for richness.
- Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), mustard, and honey in a bowl.
- Using a whisk, combine the ingredients until well blended. This emulsification creates a smooth dressing.
- Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t forget to taste test—adjust to your liking!
This dressing’s balance of tangy and sweet perfectly complements the salad’s fresh flavors. Enjoy!
Fresh Summer Chopped Tomato and Peach Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 cup mixed lettuce and shredded radicchio
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced salami or similar cured meat
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or crumbled crunchy topping
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced pepperoni or spicy salami strips
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and assemble. It’s a quick dish that’s great for summer gatherings or a light lunch! You can make the dressing in just a few minutes, and the chopping is an enjoyable part of the process.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:
Start by washing all the fresh vegetables and fruits to ensure they’re clean and ready to eat. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the peaches (removing the pits), cucumber, and yellow squash thinly. Shred the lettuce and radicchio, and place them as a nice base in a large serving bowl or platter.
2. Arrange the Salad:
Take your time to beautifully arrange the sliced peaches, halved tomatoes, cucumber, and yellow squash over the greens. This step is not only about taste but also about making your salad look appealing! Don’t forget to scatter the kalamata olives across the top.
3. Add the Meats and Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the diced salami or cured meat and the strips of pepperoni over your salad. Finally, add generous amounts of crumbled feta cheese for that tangy freshness.
4. Add Crunch and Garnish:
Sprinkle the crispy fried onions or your chosen crunchy topping over everything for added texture. Finish with sprigs of fresh thyme scattered throughout for a burst of flavor and beautiful presentation.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, and honey. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and emulsified into a smooth dressing.
6. Combine and Serve:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. You can toss it gently if you prefer everything mixed together, or simply serve it as a composed salad to keep the beautiful layers visible.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Before serving, be sure to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Dive in and enjoy this vibrant, summer-inspired salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute them with nectarines, mangoes, or even berries like strawberries or blueberries. Each fruit will add its unique twist to the salad!
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the salami and pepperoni. You can replace them with roasted chickpeas or add more beans for protein. Marinated tofu or additional veggies can also enhance the dish!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare most components ahead of time. Chop the veggies and fruits, and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. Just add the dressing shortly before serving to keep everything fresh!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the salad may lose some freshness as the ingredients wilt, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
