This refreshing salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer’s flavors! With juicy tomatoes and sweet peaches, it’s bright and tasty. Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up!
I love tossing this salad together for a quick lunch. It’s so colorful, it feels like a party on my plate! Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’re all set for summer fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: They bring sweetness and color. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes diced will work fine. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor!
Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best taste. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or even mango could be a nice alternative.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a similar taste.
Kalamata Olives: If these aren’t your favorite, you can substitute with green olives or even capers for a different twist.
Crispy Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free crackers. I often make my own breadcrumbs by toasting stale bread!
How Do I Layer the Salad for Best Presentation?
Layering enhances both the look and flavor experience! Start with the base of shredded lettuce to create a bed for the toppings. Then, arrange your ingredients in neat sections, like a rainbow on a plate. This keeps each flavor distinct until they’re mixed at serving, making it visually appealing.
- Wash and cut your vegetables first for convenience.
- Use a large dish to have space for layering.
- Consider how colors contrast: orange peaches with red tomatoes look vibrant!
- Finish with crumbled feta and thyme, a stunning and fresh look!
Enjoy creating your salad masterpiece, and don’t forget, it’s all about freshness and color in summer dishes!
Easy Summer Chopped Tomato and Peach Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (a mix of green and radicchio or red cabbage)
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled crispy breadcrumbs or fried bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced crispy salami or pepperoni strips
- 1/2 cup diced cured meat (like pepperoni or salami), optional for extra protein
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is super quick to prepare! You’ll need about 15 minutes for chopping and assembling. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so serve right after you dress it up.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Veggies and Fruit:
Start by washing your ingredients well. Halve or slice the cherry tomatoes. Peel and slice the peaches. Shred the lettuce, and thinly slice the cucumber and yellow squash. Don’t forget to pit and halve the Kalamata olives!
2. Create the Base:
In a large serving platter or bowl, arrange the shredded lettuce to form a nice base for your colorful salad.
3. Layer It Up:
Neatly layer the cherry tomatoes, peach slices, cucumber, yellow squash, and Kalamata olives in separate sections on top of the lettuce. This not only looks pretty but also allows everyone to scoop up their favorite ingredients!
4. Add Creamy Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top in clusters. It adds a lovely creaminess and tang!
5. Crispy Textures:
Evenly sprinkle the crispy breadcrumbs and salami or pepperoni strips across the salad to give it an extra crunch. If you like more protein, add the diced cured meat here as well.
6. Whip Up the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, mix together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk it until everything is well combined and emulsified.
7. Drizzle and Garnish:
Right before you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing over your salad. You can choose to toss it lightly for a mixed salad or leave it layered for a beautiful presentation. Finish off with fresh thyme sprigs for a herbaceous kick!
Enjoy the burst of flavors in this refreshing salad, perfect for those warm summer days! It’s great as a light lunch or alongside barbecue dishes.
FAQ for Easy Summer Chopped Tomato and Peach Salad
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Peaches?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute with nectarines, plums, or even diced mango for a tropical twist. Just ensure the fruit is ripe for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
For any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again to maintain freshness and crunchiness!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the veggies and fruit a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add the dressing and crispy toppings right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu seasoned with salt or nutritional yeast. For a similar flavor, goat cheese or ricotta can also work well if you still want a creamy texture.
