Blueberry Peach Feta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is perfect for summer meals or gatherings, offering a beautiful medley of sweet and savory flavors. The addition of fresh peaches, blueberries, and cucumbers gives it a light and refreshing crunch, while the feta cheese adds a creamy richness that balances out the sweetness. The homemade lemon basil vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, tangy note that makes every bite delightful. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal dish for busy days or impromptu meals!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups fresh blueberries

• 2 peaches, diced

• 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil

• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large serving bowl, combine the blueberries, peaches, cucumbers, and feta.

2. In a jar with a lid or a measuring cup, combine the lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk together the vinaigrette until well combined.

3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

4. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese or mozzarella for a similar creamy texture.

• Add Nuts: To add some crunch, consider adding toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the salad.

• Other Fruits: Swap peaches for nectarines, or add strawberries or blackberries for more variety.

• Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad more filling and serve it as a main dish.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh, as the fruits and feta can lose their texture and flavor if stored for too long. If you need to store it, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. If you’ve already mixed the vinaigrette into the salad, you may find that it softens the fruits, so it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the fruits from becoming soggy.

2. Can I use frozen blueberries?

While fresh blueberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them before adding to the salad.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative to make this salad vegan-friendly.

4. How long can I store the leftovers?

If dressed, the salad will last for about 1 day in the refrigerator. If stored separately, the components should last up to 3 days.

5. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but Persian cucumbers are smaller and have fewer seeds, making them a great option for this salad.

6. What other dressings can I use?

If you prefer a different dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, or a simple olive oil and lemon dressing would also pair well with this salad.

7. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey if you prefer.

8. Can I use dried fruits in this salad?

Fresh fruits provide the best texture and flavor, but if you’d like to experiment, you could try adding a small amount of dried blueberries or cranberries for a chewier element.

9. Can I add more herbs?

Definitely! Fresh mint, thyme, or oregano could be interesting additions to enhance the herbal flavors of the salad.

10. Can this salad be served as a side dish or a main course?

This salad is versatile enough to be served as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course, especially with the addition of protein like grilled chicken or seafood.

Conclusion

Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm days and casual gatherings. With its balance of fresh, sweet, and savory ingredients, it’s sure to become a summer favorite. Whether you serve it as a side or a light main dish, this salad will impress your guests with its vibrant colors and delightful taste.