This colorful salad mixes juicy tomatoes and sweet peaches, making it perfect for a hot summer day! Toss it with some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor that’s simply refreshing.
I love how easy this salad is to whip up! It’s great as a side dish or a light meal. Plus, who can resist those sweet peach bites? They might just steal the show! 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: Use a mix of romaine, radicchio, and cabbage for color and crunch. If you need a lighter option, baby spinach or arugula work well too. They add a fresh, peppery flavor!
Peaches: Ripe peaches add sweetness. If they’re out of season, nectarines or even apricots are tasty substitutes. Their flavors vary a bit, but they’ll still give that summery feel.
Cured Meats: I used pepperoni and salami for that savory punch. For a healthier option, try turkey bacon or skip the meat entirely and add extra beans for protein!
Cheese: Feta is so creamy here and has that nice crumbly texture. If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese or blue cheese would also work well and add their own unique flavors.
How Do I Get the Right Texture in My Salad?
Texture is key in this salad, with crunchy, creamy, and juicy elements. Start with super fresh ingredients. Here’s how to ensure each bite is delightful:
- **Use Crisp Salad Greens**: Always rinse and dry your greens thoroughly to keep them crisp.
- **Slice Veggies Practically**: Cut cucumbers and squash thin for bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even crunch!
- **Add Crunch Wisely**: For crunchy bread crumbs, toast them in a skillet with a little olive oil until golden. This step gives extra flavor and crunch.
Mixing different textures not only makes the salad visually appealing but also enhances the eating experience!
Fresh Summer Chopped Tomato Peach Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, radicchio, and shredded cabbage)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole and halved
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced (such as Kalamata)
- 1/4 cup shredded or julienned pepperoni or similar cured meat
- 1/3 cup salami, diced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled crispy bread crumbs (toasted or fried)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes chopping and mixing the ingredients together, and another 5-10 minutes making the dressing and assembling everything. Perfect for a quick summer meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large serving bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, shredded cabbage, and radicchio. This colorful combination will be the vibrant foundation of your salad!
2. Add Vegetables and Fruits:
Distribute the cherry tomatoes across the greens. Halve some of them for extra texture and visual appeal. Next, add the sliced cucumber and yellow summer squash on top of the greens.
3. Add Peaches and Meats:
Gently lay the sliced peaches over the salad. Follow that by adding the julienned pepperoni and diced salami, spreading them evenly for delightful bites.
4. Incorporate Olives and Cheese:
Sprinkle the sliced black olives across the top, and then crumbled feta cheese generously over the salad for that creamy contrast.
5. Add Crunchy Topping:
Take your crispy bread crumbs and scatter them over the salad for that crunch factor. They’ll provide a delightful texture contrast to the juicy and creamy elements!
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until everything mixes well and emulsifies into a smooth dressing.
7. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing evenly over your beautifully arranged salad. You can give it a gentle toss to coat everything, or leave it as is for a stunning presentation!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off with fresh thyme sprigs for a fragrant touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the burst of fresh summer flavors and crisp textures!
This salad combines juicy peaches, luscious tomatoes, salty cured meats, creamy feta, and crunchy bread crumbs, all brightened by a tangy balsamic dressing. A perfect accompaniment for barbecues or a light summer dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to substitute with nectarines, mango, or even strawberries. These fruits will still bring a sweet flavor to complement the savory ingredients!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste. Enjoy the salad within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just give it a good whisk or shake before adding it to the salad, as it may separate.
Is This Salad Vegan?
This salad contains feta cheese and cured meats, so it’s not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by omitting the meats and cheese, and substituting with avocado or chickpeas for added creaminess and protein!
