Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted, plus more for garnish
- 3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 5–6 oz baby arugula (or other favorite greens)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, more to taste (or substitute burrata cheese, cut into small pieces, and add at the end)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, torn or cut into ribbons (purple basil is recommended)
Vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the slivered almonds, stirring frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the Peaches: Gently rub the fuzz off the peaches using a terry cloth towel. Halve the peaches and slice them evenly for easy serving.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the baby arugula, thinly sliced red onion, torn basil leaves, toasted slivered almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle just enough vinaigrette over the mixture to lightly coat all ingredients and toss carefully to combine.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the tossed salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Arrange the sliced peaches on top, spoon extra vinaigrette over the peaches, and sprinkle additional toasted almonds as garnish. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they slice easily without becoming mushy.
- You can substitute burrata cheese for goat cheese for a creamier texture; add burrata at the end to prevent breaking up.
- Toast almonds carefully as they can burn quickly; stirring constantly helps achieve even toasting.
- The salad is best served immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and juiciness of the peaches.
- Feel free to swap arugula with other greens like spinach or mixed baby greens based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian