Millionaire Peach Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing summer dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this Millionaire Peach Salad! With juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a celebration of summer in every bite. This salad is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need something light and delicious for a busy weeknight dinner, this salad fits the bill perfectly.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility and vibrant flavors. The combination of sweet peaches with the peppery arugula and aromatic basil creates a delightful contrast that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: You can whip this up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy days.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the mix of textures and flavors.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the ingredients in advance and toss them together right before serving.
• Packed with nutrients: Fresh fruits and greens make this salad both delicious and healthy.
• Perfect for any occasion: Serve it as an appetizer at gatherings or as a light main dish on warm evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Millionaire Peach Salad uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!

For the Salad

• 4 pieces Ripe peaches (Pitted and sliced)
• 1 cup Fresh mozzarella balls (Halved)
• 1 cup Arugula or mixed greens (For a peppery bite)
• 1/2 cup Walnuts (Toasted and chopped)
• 1/4 cup Feta cheese (Crumbled)
• 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves (Torn)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup Balsamic glaze (For drizzling)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper

Variations

One of the best parts about this Millionaire Peach Salad is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add some protein: Toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra boost.
• Try different nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a unique twist.
• Use different cheeses: Goat cheese or ricotta can add their own special flavor profile.
• Mix up the greens: Spinach or kale can be great substitutes if you’re looking to switch things up.

How to Make Millionaire Peach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Start by washing the peaches thoroughly under cool running water. This step ensures they are clean and ready to shine in your salad. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and slice them into wedges. The juiciness of ripe peaches adds natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Step 2: Combine the Greens

In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced peaches, halved mozzarella balls, and arugula or mixed greens. Mixing these ingredients creates a colorful base that’s not only pleasing to the eye but also brings together contrasting flavors and textures.

Step 3: Add Crunchy Elements

Next, add the toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and torn basil leaves to the bowl. The walnuts add crunch while the feta provides a creamy tang. Basil’s aromatic quality elevates everything with its fresh scent—such an essential addition!

Step 4: Dress It Up

Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. This step ties all the flavors together while enhancing their natural goodness. The balsamic glaze offers both sweetness and acidity that brightens every bite.

Step 5: Toss Gently

Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients without mashing the peaches or mozzarella. This is crucial! We want those beautiful peach slices intact while ensuring every ingredient gets coated in that delicious glaze.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, creating an even more delightful experience when you dig in!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve this gorgeous salad on individual plates or directly from the bowl. Watch everyone’s faces light up as they take their first bite of this refreshing Millionaire Peach Salad—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Millionaire Peach Salad

Creating a delicious and visually appealing Millionaire Peach Salad is easier than you might think! Here are some tips to help you elevate your salad game:

• Choose ripe peaches: The key to a flavorful salad lies in the quality of the peaches. Ripe, juicy peaches will provide the best sweetness and texture.

• Toast your walnuts: Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Use fresh mozzarella: Opt for fresh mozzarella balls instead of pre-shredded cheese. They have a creamier texture and milder taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of the peaches.

• Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.

• Experiment with greens: While arugula is a great choice for its peppery bite, feel free to mix in other greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition and variety.

How to Serve Millionaire Peach Salad

Presenting your Millionaire Peach Salad beautifully can make it even more inviting! Here are some creative serving ideas:

Garnishes

• Fresh basil sprigs: Adding whole basil leaves or small sprigs on top gives a pop of color and an aromatic touch.
• Edible flowers: Consider adding a few edible flowers to make your dish visually stunning and add an extra layer of sophistication.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Lightly seasoned grilled chicken skewers add protein and pair wonderfully with the fresh flavors of the salad.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes provides additional texture and nutrients, complementing the peach salad nicely.
• Mediterranean Couscous: Flavorful couscous tossed with olives, cherry tomatoes, and herbs creates a hearty side that balances well with the freshness of the peaches.
• Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Its buttery flavor makes for a comforting side that contrasts with the refreshing salad.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Millionaire Peach Salad will not only taste amazing but also impress your guests at any gathering! Enjoy this delightful summer dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Millionaire Peach Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making your busy weeknights a breeze. Here’s how to store it effectively:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
• Keep the balsamic glaze separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

• We recommend not freezing this salad, as the texture of the peaches and mozzarella may change when thawed.
• For future salads, consider prepping non-perishable ingredients separately (like nuts and cheese) for easy assembly.

Reheating

• This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; there’s no need to reheat!
• If you’ve stored it, simply toss gently before serving to refresh the ingredients.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this refreshing dish, here are some common questions!

What can I substitute for feta cheese in the Millionaire Peach Salad?

You can use crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a similar tangy flavor without feta.

How long will the Millionaire Peach Salad last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Enjoy it within that time frame for optimal taste!

Can I add other fruits to the Millionaire Peach Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other summer fruits like strawberries or blueberries for added sweetness and color.

Is this Millionaire Peach Salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are gluten-free, making this salad a delightful option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delicious Millionaire Peach Salad! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate summer flavors while enjoying a healthy dish. Whether it’s served as a side at gatherings or as a light meal on its own, I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking!