Refresh with Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

If you’re searching for a refreshing dish that captures the essence of sunshine and ripe summer produce, look no further than the Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella. This vibrant and flavorful salad combines juicy peaches, creamy avocado, and soft mozzarella for a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for warm days when you want something light yet satisfying, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a stunning, colorful feast for the senses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and refreshing flavor: The sweetness of peaches combined with creamy avocado and mozzarella creates an irresistible blend perfect for summer cravings.
• Easy to prepare: With minimal chopping and no cooking required, this salad is ready in just minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute meals.
• Visually stunning: The vibrant colors of peaches, avocado, and fresh greens make this salad as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
• Healthy and nutrient-packed: Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it’s a nourishing option that supports a balanced diet.
• Highly versatile: This recipe works well as a side dish, light lunch, or even an elegant appetizer for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a specific role, contributing layers of texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the final dish.

• Fresh peaches: Choose ripe but firm peaches to provide natural sweetness and juicy bursts in every bite.
• Ripe avocado: Adds creaminess and a buttery texture that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
• Mozzarella cheese: Soft fresh mozzarella offers a mild, milky flavor that complements the fruit and avocado.
• Baby arugula or mixed greens: A peppery, slightly bitter green base to add crunch and complexity.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Enhances richness and ties all flavors together with a fruity finish.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the avocado from browning too quickly.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Fresh basil leaves: Optional, for a fragrant and herbal kick that intensifies the Mediterranean vibe.

Variations for Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

This Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to tailor it according to what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity.

• Swap cheese types: Try burrata instead of mozzarella for extra creaminess or goat cheese for a tangier note.
• Add nuts: Toasted almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts bring crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
• Include leafy greens: Mix in baby spinach, kale, or watercress for added nutrients and texture variety.
• Try different dressings: Drizzle with balsamic glaze or a honey-lime vinaigrette for a sweeter or zestier twist.
• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based mozzarella alternative and swap honey in dressings for maple syrup or agave nectar.

How to Make Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the peaches

Wash the peaches thoroughly and slice them into thin wedges or bite-sized chunks, keeping the skin on for color and texture.

Step 2: Cube the avocado

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and gently scoop out the flesh. Dice it into cubes, then toss lightly with fresh lemon juice to avoid browning.

Step 3: Tear the mozzarella

Use fresh mozzarella balls or a block of mozzarella, tearing it into irregular pieces or slicing into medallions for a rustic look.

Step 4: Build the salad base

Lay a bed of arugula or mixed greens on a serving platter or bowl to add peppery freshness and crunch.

Step 5: Assemble all ingredients

Layer the peach slices, avocado cubes, and mozzarella over the greens evenly to ensure each bite has a little of everything.

Step 6: Dress and season

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Garnish with herbs

Add fresh basil leaves for an herbal aroma and extra splash of green color. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

• Choose firm but ripe peaches: Overripe peaches will be mushy and can overpower the salad.
• Use ripe but slightly firm avocado: This helps maintain chunks without turning to mush.
• Toss avocado with lemon juice immediately: This keeps it looking fresh and green.
• Serve right after assembly: To avoid sogginess and preserve the crispness of the greens and fruit.
• Opt for fresh mozzarella: Pre-shredded cheese lacks the creamy texture essential to this recipe.
• Season according to taste: Start lightly and adjust salt and pepper to avoid overpowering delicate flavors.

How to Serve Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for visual appeal and added flavor dimensions.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or crusty artisan bread, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the salad in individual bowls for elegant presentation or serve it stacked in layers in a clear glass bowl for a festive look that highlights all the colorful ingredients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad components separately to preserve freshness—keep avocado sliced with lemon juice in an airtight container and peaches refrigerated. Assemble just before serving the next day.

Freezing

Since fresh fruit and avocado don’t freeze well in salads, it’s best to avoid freezing Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella to maintain texture and taste integrity.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, refresh it with a little extra lemon juice and olive oil before serving leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches for the Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella?

Fresh peaches provide the best texture and flavor, but if fresh peaches aren’t available, choose canned peaches in natural juice and drain well before using to avoid excess sweetness or sogginess.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes! Simply replace the mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative or omit the cheese entirely, and use a plant-based dressing to keep it fully vegan.

How long can I prepare this salad in advance?

For the freshest taste and texture, assemble the salad no more than 1-2 hours before serving. If prepping ingredients earlier, keep the avocado and peaches separate and toss together just before serving.

What other fruits can I add to this salad?

Stone fruits like nectarines, plums, or even berries such as strawberries or blueberries make excellent, delicious additions or substitutes for peaches.

Can I add protein to make this a full meal?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even toasted chickpeas turn this salad into a satisfying, protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

Making a Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella is like capturing a little bit of summer sunshine on your plate. It’s simple yet elegant, refreshing yet nourishing, and vibrant in every sense. Whip it up for your next lunch or dinner and enjoy the magic of fresh, seasonal ingredients coming together in a dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds and brighten your day.

Related Posts

• Easy Greek Orzo Salad for Healthy Meals
• Why Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a Must-Try
• How to Make Colourful Rainbow Bean Salad Recipe

Print