One of my favorite go-to summer salads is this Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese. This refreshing dish brings together the sweetness of ripe peaches, the creaminess of avocado, and the crunch of toasted almonds. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light lunch. Drizzled with an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad will impress your guests while being simple to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of peaches and spinach creates a vibrant taste that’s perfect for summer.
Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocado and protein from goat cheese, this salad is both satisfying and good for you.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main or side dish. It’s great for various occasions, from casual lunches to elegant gatherings.
Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth. Having everything ready will ensure a hassle-free cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Salad serving bowl
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: Perfect for blending the dressing smoothly.
Salad serving bowl: A large bowl allows for tossing without making a mess.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 4-6 cups organic spinach
– 2 large peaches, sliced
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles (or sub feta)
– 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds
– For the dressing:
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
– Optional: 1-2 teaspoons sugar, pure maple syrup or honey to sweeten dressing
– Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette by combining balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add sugar or your sweetener of choice.

Step 2: Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, add the organic spinach. Drizzle your desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette over it and toss gently to combine.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Top your spinach salad with sliced peaches, diced avocado, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles, and toasted almonds. Toss everything very gently again to mix.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your fresh Summer Peach Spinach Salad right away! This recipe serves four people—perfect for sharing.

How to Serve Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

This vibrant Summer Peach Spinach Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your salad experience.

As a Main Course

A generous portion of this salad can be served as a light main course. The combination of spinach, peaches, and avocado makes it filling yet refreshing.

With Grilled Proteins

Pair this salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. The savory flavors complement the sweet peaches beautifully.

As a Side Dish

Serve it alongside your favorite grilled meats or fish. This salad adds a burst of flavor and color to any meal, making it an excellent side option.

For Meal Prep

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving. This keeps the spinach fresh and crisp.

At Picnics or Potlucks

This salad travels well! Pack it in an airtight container for your next picnic or potluck gathering, and watch it disappear quickly.

With Additional Toppings

Feel free to experiment by adding other toppings like berries or nuts for extra texture and flavor. Customize it to suit your taste!

How to Perfect Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Creating the perfect Summer Peach Spinach Salad involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for ripe, juicy peaches and fresh spinach. The quality of your ingredients will make a significant difference in flavor.
Toast Your Almonds: Toasting almonds enhances their flavor and provides a delightful crunch. Simply roast them in a dry skillet until golden brown.
Balance Your Dressing: Adjust the sweetness of your balsamic vinaigrette according to your preference. A hint of sweetness can enhance the overall taste.
Serve Immediately: For best results, serve the salad right after assembling. This ensures that the greens stay crisp and vibrant.

Best Side Dishes for Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Complementing this salad with the right side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and are easy to prepare on the grill.
Quinoa Pilaf: A warm quinoa pilaf with herbs pairs nicely, adding nutty flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out earthy flavors that complement the sweetness of peaches.
Corn on the Cob: Freshly grilled corn offers a sweet crunch that works well with this salad.
Caprese Salad: A classic Caprese salad brings in creamy mozzarella and fresh basil, enhancing the summer vibe.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a satisfying crunch while balancing out the dish’s freshness.
Hummus Plate: A platter of hummus with pita chips and veggies adds variety and is great for sharing.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can act as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Skipping the dressing: Always prepare the balsamic vinaigrette before tossing the salad. It enhances the flavors and ensures an even coat.
Overdressing the salad: Use just enough dressing to lightly coat the spinach. Too much can make it soggy and overpowering.
Using unripe peaches: Choose ripe peaches for sweetness and flavor. Unripe ones will not provide the same refreshing taste.
Chopping ingredients too large: Cut your ingredients into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to enjoy each flavorful component in one bite.
Not serving immediately: This salad is best fresh. Serve it right after preparing to keep the spinach crisp and vibrant.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Container: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Separation: Keep components like spinach and dressing separate to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Recommendation: It’s not advisable to freeze this salad as ingredients may lose texture and flavor upon thawing.

Reheating Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes if you want warmed goat cheese; however, it’s best served cold.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15 seconds if needed, but this may wilt the spinach.
Stovetop: Not recommended; this salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other ingredients to my Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese?

Yes! Feel free to customize with additional fruits like strawberries or nuts like pecans for extra crunch.

How do I choose ripe peaches for my salad?

Look for peaches that yield slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma. Avoid hard or overly soft peaches.

How long does this Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado last?

It lasts up to 2 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Certainly! Omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on seasonal fruits or personal preferences. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish at gatherings. Don’t hesitate—try this refreshing salad today!