This colorful summer salad brings juicy tomatoes and sweet peaches together for a refreshing dish! Toss in some fresh herbs and a splash of dressing, and you have a perfect side.
I love making this salad for picnics since it’s so easy and tasty. Plus, who could resist the combination of flavors? It’s like a summer hug on a plate! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Cherry and grape tomatoes are perfect for this salad since they’re sweet and juicy. Feel free to swap them with any ripe tomatoes you have on hand, like heirlooms or even diced larger tomatoes.
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches add sweetness and texture. If they aren’t in season, nectarines work well too! Canned peaches can substitute, but drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
Radicchio or Cabbage: Radicchio brings a lovely color and slightly bitter flavor. However, if you prefer something milder, go for green cabbage or even romaine lettuce.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a salty kick to the salad. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, try crumbled tofu mixed with a bit of lemon juice for tang. Or you might enjoy using goat cheese!
How Do I Prepare the Dressing for My Salad?
The dressing is crucial for pulling all the flavors together! It’s quick to make, and you can customize it too. Here’s how to whip it up:
- In a bowl or jar, add olive oil and vinegar as your base.
- Stir in Dijon mustard for a bit of zest and honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Season with salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
- Mix everything well until it’s fully combined. If you want, you can adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar as you like.
Drizzle this dressing over your salad just before serving for the best flavor and freshness! Enjoy your summer salad!
Easy Summer Chopped Tomato Peach Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed cherry and grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup radicchio or red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cooked and diced salami or similar cured meat (optional)
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for crunch
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced pepperoni or similar cured sausage (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Just gather your ingredients, chop them up, and mix everything together. What a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Fresh Ingredients:
Begin by washing all your fresh produce. Halve the cherry and grape tomatoes, slice the peaches, cucumbers, and yellow squash. Don’t forget to shred the radicchio or red cabbage for added crunch and flavor!
2. Build the Salad Base:
In a spacious salad bowl, place the shredded radicchio or cabbage at the bottom. This will create a beautiful base for your colorful toppings.
3. Arrange the Slices:
Neatly layer the sliced peaches, halved tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow squash, Kalamata olives, and any optional cured meats like diced salami or pepperoni. Arrange them in groups over the greens for a visually appealing presentation.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Next, add the crumbled feta cheese evenly across the salad for a delightful burst of flavor.
5. Add Crunchy Elements:
Top off your salad with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs. This adds a perfect crunch and enhances the textures!
6. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well combined and smooth.
7. Drizzle and Garnish:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring it gets distributed evenly. Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme leaves for that final touch!
8. Toss or Serve:
If you prefer, you can gently toss the salad to combine all that wonderful flavor. Alternatively, serve it as a composed salad to keep the layers intact and colorful!
Enjoy this fresh summer salad that beautifully combines the sweetness of peaches with the savory flavors of tomatoes, feta, and cured meats for a dazzling and easy-to-make dish!
FAQ for Easy Summer Chopped Tomato Peach Salad
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the salad. Fresh is preferred for the best flavor and texture, but canned will work in a pinch!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
No problem! Simply omit the salami and pepperoni. You can also add extra feta or some chickpeas for protein to keep it satisfying and tasty!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, especially if you’ve already tossed the salad.
Can I Prep This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can chop and prepare all the ingredients ahead of time. Just store them separately and assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
