Dive into the fresh flavors of summer with this delicious peach and arugula salad. The sweet and juicy peaches perfectly balance the peppery arugula, while the crisp yellow bell pepper provides a satisfying crunch. The walnuts add a rustic touch, and the simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled meats.
Our recipe uses some commonly found ingredients while some may require a trip to the supermarket. Arugula is a slightly bitter, peppery green that you can find in most produce sections. Balsamic vinegar is found in the condiments aisle and adds a sweet and tangy flavor to dishes. Peaches should be ripe but firm, found in the fruits section. Lastly, walnuts are in the nuts section, you can buy them whole or chopped.
Ingredients Needed for the Peach and Arugula Salad
Arugula: A leafy green vegetable with a peppery flavor that gives the salad a fresh and tangy taste.
Peaches: Juicy and sweet, provide a fruity balance to the peppery arugula.
Yellow bell pepper: Adds a crisp texture and sweet flavor to the salad.
Walnuts: They add a nice crunch and are a great source of Omega-3.
Olive oil: Used in the dressing, it gives the salad a smooth and rich flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Gives the dressing a sweet and tangy flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds a fresh citrusy zing to the dressing.
Lemon zest: Adds a pop of bright citrus flavor to the salad.
Kosher salt: Used to enhance the flavors of the salad.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the salad.
One reader, Farley Gunter says:
This peach and arugula salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet peaches, peppery arugula, and crunchy walnuts is simply divine. The dressing adds the perfect zing, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish. I highly recommend trying this out for a burst of summer flavors!
Mastering the Techniques for Peach and Arugula Salad
How to prepare the salad: Combine the baby arugula, sliced peaches, diced yellow bell pepper, and walnuts in a large bowl.
How to make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
How to drizzle the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
How To Make Peach Arugula Salad
This easy and delicious arugula salad is topped with peach, yellow bell peppers, and walnuts, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. All done in 10 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupsbaby arugula
- 3medium peaches,ripe, pitted and sliced
- ¾cupyellow bell pepper,diced
- 3tbspwalnuts,chopped
- 1tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1tbspbalsamic vinegar
- ½tbsplemon juice,fresh squeezed
- ⅛tsplemon zest
- ⅛tspkosher salt
- Fresh black pepper,to taste
Instructions
-
Place the arugula in a large bowl, top with peaches, yellow pepper and walnuts. In a small bowl whisk the olive oil with the balsamic, lemon juice, salt and pepper and drizzle over the salad.
Nutrition
- Calories: 121.01kcal
- Fat: 7.33g
- Saturated Fat: 0.84g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.07g
- Carbohydrates: 13.93g
- Fiber: 2.44g
- Sugar: 10.37g
- Protein: 2.28g
- Sodium: 62.15mg
- Calcium: 28.05mg
- Potassium: 311.73mg
- Iron: 0.71mg
- Vitamin A: 27.84µg
- Vitamin C: 40.97mg
Expert Technique Tips for Crafting the Perfect Salad
When selecting peaches for this salad, opt for ripe but firm ones. Overripe peaches can become mushy and lose their shape when mixed in the salad. To check for ripeness, gently press the top of the peach near the stem. If it yields slightly, it's ripe. Also, consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and store ingredients like nuts, fruits, and vegetables in advance to save time during meal prep.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of staple ingredients like grains and proteins to use in multiple dishes throughout the week.
Efficient tools: Invest in time-saving kitchen gadgets like a food processor or mandoline slicer to speed up food preparation.
Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan and grocery list to streamline the cooking process and minimize last-minute decisions.
Multi-task: Utilize downtime while cooking, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil, to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Peach Arugula Salad Recipe
baby arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a similar mild, slightly peppery flavor and tender texture, making it a suitable substitute for arugula in salads.
peaches - Substitute with nectarines: Nectarines have a similar sweet and tangy flavor with a slightly firmer texture, making them a great alternative to peaches in salads.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar sweet and crisp flavor, adding a pop of color and crunch to the salad just like yellow bell peppers.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great alternative to walnuts in this salad.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild, buttery flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in salad dressings.
balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to balsamic vinegar, making it a good substitute in salad dressings.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar citrusy tang and acidity, complementing the flavors of the salad just like lemon juice.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest provides a similar bright and citrusy flavor, adding a zesty touch to the salad like lemon zest.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar clean and pure flavor, enhancing the taste of the salad just like kosher salt.
Presenting Your Peach and Arugula Salad
- Artful arrangement: Carefully arrange the baby arugula on the plate, creating a visually appealing base for the salad.
- Peach perfection: Slice the peaches into thin, elegant wedges and delicately place them on top of the arugula, ensuring each slice is positioned with precision.
- Vibrant yellow pepper: Julienne the yellow bell pepper into fine strips and scatter them across the salad, adding a pop of color and texture.
- Walnut elegance: Sprinkle the walnuts over the salad, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Artisanal drizzle: Using a steady hand, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, creating an artistic pattern that enhances the overall presentation.
- Zesty finish: Add a touch of sophistication by sprinkling a hint of lemon zest over the salad, elevating the flavors and adding a visually appealing element.
- Seasoning finesse: Lightly sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad, ensuring each ingredient is perfectly seasoned.
Essential Tools for Making a Delightful Salad
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, chopping, and dicing.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients and preparing salads or dressings.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Salad spinner: Used to wash and dry salad greens efficiently.
- Grill: Used for grilling the peaches and adding a smoky flavor to the salad.
- Serving platter: A large plate or platter used for serving the finished salad.
Fascinating Facts About Peaches and Arugula
Peach and arugula salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of peaches with the peppery flavor of arugula. It's a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and vitamin K. This salad is not only delicious but also a healthy addition to your diet.
Budget-Friendly Peach and Arugula Salad
Peach and arugula salad is a cost-effective dish for households. The ingredients, such as arugula, peaches, and bell peppers, are generally affordable and widely available. The use of seasonal fruits and vegetables ensures cost-effectiveness. The addition of walnuts provides a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-15. This refreshing salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating for its affordability and deliciousness.
Is This Peach and Arugula Salad Healthy?
The peach and arugula salad recipe is a healthy choice, packed with nutrient-rich ingredients. Arugula is a low-calorie, leafy green that provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium. Peaches are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Yellow bell peppers offer vitamin C, while walnuts provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and zest, is a healthier alternative to creamy, high-calorie dressings.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
- Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for an extra boost of calcium and flavor
- Incorporate additional vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or cucumber, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Toast the walnuts lightly to bring out their flavor and crunch
- Experiment with different varieties of peaches, such as white or donut peaches, to add a unique twist to the salad
- Use a high-quality, aged balsamic vinegar for a more complex and rich flavor profile
Our Editor's Take on This Refreshing Salad Recipe
This peach and arugula salad recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and peppery flavors. The juicy peaches complement the peppery arugula, while the yellow bell pepper adds a pop of color and crunch. The walnuts provide a satisfying nuttiness, and the dressing, with its blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and zest, ties everything together beautifully. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a refreshing and vibrant addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Peach Arugula Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Peach Arugula Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh peaches, peppery arugula, and crunchy walnuts, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of balsamic vinegar and lemon juice adds a zesty tang, while the yellow bell pepper contributes a pop of color and sweetness. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil and a hint of lemon zest, enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. Trust in the quality and balance of these fresh ingredients to elevate your salad experience.
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