Peach Goat Cheese Summer Salad
Summer is here friends. Something about a season change and new produce and flavours on the market brings me so much joy. Last week I went to the farmers market with my dad, and as one does, I ate an entire pint of strawberries in one sitting. They were truly some of the best I’ve had. Nothing like a good fresh strawberry. But, this recipe isn’t about strawberries so let’s move on.
Although my roots are in Nova Scotia, I currently live in Ontario, and let me tell you, there is nothing like a FRESH Ontario peach. So - go buy yourself a peach and whip up this salad. I promise it’ll be a crowd pleaser and tastes like summer!
Optional but SO GOOD
Grill the peaches on the barbecue so they get a nice char!!
Other Optional things we should talk about:
You can ultimately use any nut you like. You could ALSO toast them and add a little honey or maple syrup for a caramelized nut moment - so good!!
This salad would also go so nicely with feta. Same as the nuts, you do you on the cheese front.
Avocado is always optional, but is it? I don’t know, maybe I’m bias, but avocado belongs everywhere.
Peach Goat Cheese Summer Salad
Yield: 4 side salads or 2 main salads
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
8 cups Arugula
2 peaches, thinly sliced
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/3 cup goat cheese
1/4 cup Walnut pieces, toasted
Optional: 1 avocado, diced
Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt and pepper
2 tbsp orange juice
Method
Toast the walnuts by heating a small pan to medium-high heat. Add the walnuts and stir frequently until you smell a nice nutty aroma. Be careful not to leave these, as it only take 3-4 minutes and they burn easily.
To prepare the dressing add all ingredients to a mason jar and shake together.
slice and chop all your ingredients for the salad.
Add the arugula to a large bowl and toss with desired amount of dressing.
Add all of your salad toppings. I like to add the cheese and nuts last for aesthetic appeal. But whatever way - it’ll taste the same!
Serve your salad with whatever protein of choice! I love to pair this with grilled chicken from the barbecue and some grilled sourdough. Honestly life changing. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Per 1/4 of the salad using avocado and all dressing
Calories: 220 Protein: 3g Carbs: 12g Fat: 18g