If you are searching for a fresh and vibrant salad that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, look no further than this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe. Combining juicy blueberries and ripe peaches with the creamy tang of feta cheese and a zesty lemon-basil vinaigrette, this dish is an absolute celebration of summer in every bite. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a side for your dinner, or a colorful addition to your picnic, this salad delivers a refreshing crunch, juicy sweetness, and the perfect hint of herbaceous brightness that is impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe shines because of its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component adds something special—fresh fruit for juiciness, cucumbers for a crisp texture, tangy feta for creaminess, and a bright lemon basil dressing that brings everything together beautifully.
- 1 pint fresh blueberries: Choose plump, ripe berries for natural sweetness and a burst of juicy flavor.
- 2 peaches (diced): Opt for sweet, fragrant peaches that add a luscious and fragrant touch to the salad.
- 2 Persian cucumbers (sliced): Their thin skin and mild flavor keep the salad fresh and crunchy without overpowering the fruit.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Offers a citrusy zing that lifts and brightens the salad’s taste.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides subtle depth and a gentle kick in the vinaigrette.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the acidity with a natural sweetness that complements the fruit.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths out the dressing while adding richness and a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil: Infuses herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with the peaches and lemon.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out all the flavors.
How to Make Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing your fresh blueberries, diced peaches, and sliced Persian cucumbers into a large serving bowl. Add the crumbled feta on top. This combination of ingredients is your salad’s heart, bursting with natural color and contrasting textures that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
In a jar with a lid or a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, finely chopped basil, salt, and pepper. This vinaigrette is bright and slightly sweet, perfectly balancing the creamy feta and juicy fruits. Shake or whisk until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly without squishing the delicate berries and peaches. Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra basil leaves if you have them, and your Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crumbled feta just before serving elevates the salad’s appearance and adds a burst of fresh herbal aroma. For some extra crunch, consider tossing in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds as well.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying and light meal. It also complements a picnic spread featuring crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine. The vibrant flavors stand out against simply prepared mains, making the whole meal feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual clear bowls or on rustic wooden boards for a charming, casual presentation. You can also stuff the salad into whole wheat pita pockets or layered over mixed greens for added texture. The colorful fruits and crumbled feta make every serving look as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days as the fresh fruit and cucumbers start to release moisture, which can make the salad watery.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the texture changes that peaches, cucumbers, and blueberries undergo when frozen. To maintain freshness and crunch, it’s best to consume the salad fresh.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold and fresh. Reheating is unnecessary and would compromise the delightful textures and flavors that make this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen blueberries for this salad?
Fresh blueberries are ideal for this salad because they retain their firm texture and natural sweetness. Canned or frozen blueberries might be too soft or watery, which can affect the salad’s texture and overall freshness.
What type of peaches work best in this recipe?
Choose ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape when diced. Freestone peaches tend to be easier to work with and offer a sweeter flavor, complementing the blueberries and feta perfectly.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Absolutely! While feta adds a distinctive tang and creaminess, crumbled goat cheese or fresh mozzarella can be delicious alternatives if you prefer a milder flavor or a creamier texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to combine the salad with the dressing just before serving to preserve the freshness of the fruit and prevent sogginess.
How do I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The vinaigrette is already naturally vegan and bursting with flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe is a standout dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. It’s so quick to prepare yet packs a delightful balance of juicy sweetness, refreshing crispness, and creamy tanginess that will brighten up any meal. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad to make again and again!
Print
Blueberry Peach Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Blueberry Peach Feta Salad combining sweet fresh blueberries and peaches with crisp Persian cucumbers, topped with tangy crumbled feta and a zesty basil lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light, healthy, and colorful side or main dish, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Fruit and Vegetables
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 2 peaches, diced
- 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Combine produce and cheese: In a large serving bowl, gently combine the fresh blueberries, diced peaches, sliced Persian cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese to create the salad base.
- Prepare vinaigrette: In a jar with a lid or a measuring cup, add the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, finely chopped basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until the vinaigrette is thoroughly emulsified and smooth.
- Toss salad: Pour the prepared vinaigrette evenly over the salad mixture. Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure everything is well coated without bruising the fruit and vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad for seasoning and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with additional chopped basil if desired. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe peaches and fresh blueberries.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- Feel free to substitute goat cheese for feta if preferred.
- Use Persian cucumbers for their thin skin and minimal seeds for a crisp texture.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
