This light and refreshing salad combines juicy tomatoes and sweet peaches, making every bite a treat! Tossed with a sprinkle of herbs, it’s both colorful and tasty.
I love serving this salad on hot days. It feels like summer in a bowl! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so I can spend more time enjoying the sunshine! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These tiny tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness. If you can’t find them, you can chopped larger tomatoes, but make sure they are ripe!
Peaches: Ripe peaches bring a lovely sweetness. If you’re not a peach fan, nectarines or even mango can be a great substitute.
Cabbage: Red and green cabbages add crunch and color. You can swap them for mixed greens or spinach if you prefer a softer texture.
Salami: I love using salami for its robust flavor. Turkey or chicken deli meat works if you want something lighter. For a vegetarian option, consider beans or chickpeas.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings creaminess and a salty bite. You can use goat cheese or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re lactose intolerant.
How Do You Make Sure Your Veggies Stay Crisp?
To keep your vegetables crunchy and fresh, it’s important to prepare them correctly. Here are some tips:
- Always wash and dry your produce before cutting. Excess moisture can make them soggy.
- Cut veggies right before assembling the salad. This helps maintain their crispness.
- If possible, chill the greens in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for extra crunch.
When making the salad, layer the ingredients rather than mixing them all up at once. This keeps the textures distinct and visually appealing!
Fresh Summer Chopped Tomato and Peach Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Produce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage or romaine lettuce
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup salami or cured meat, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or crunchy breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced pepperoni or spicy cured sausage (optional)
- Fresh thyme or fresh oregano sprigs, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine 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 salad is quick to prepare! It takes about 15 minutes to chop and mix all the ingredients. You can serve it right away, but if you have the time, letting it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavors. So, you’re looking at around 15 to 45 minutes total, depending on your schedule!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit:
Start by washing and prepping your produce. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber, shred the red cabbage, shred or chop the green cabbage or romaine, slice the peaches, dice the salami, and slice the olives. Having everything prepped will make assembly easy and fun!
2. Build the Base:
In a large salad bowl or platter, create a bed using the shredded greens and cabbages. This colorful base sets the stage for a vibrant salad!
3. Layer the Goodness:
Now comes the fun part! Neatly pile the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, shredded cabbages, peach slices, Kalamata olives, diced salami, and optionally, the sliced pepperoni in sections over the bed of greens. This creates a beautiful layered salad that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
4. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs evenly over the top. These add lovely texture and flavor to your salad!
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended. This dressing will bring all the flavors together.
6. Dress the Salad:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant while maximizing flavor!
7. Garnish:
Finish your salad with fresh thyme or oregano sprigs. These herbs add a fragrant touch that enhances the summer vibes.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
You can toss the salad together if you like, or serve it as a composed dish so everyone can see the pretty layers. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing summer salad!
This vibrant salad combines sweet peaches, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory cured meats, feta, olives, and crunchy elements — all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a fresh summer meal!
FAQ for Fresh Summer Chopped Tomato and Peach Salad
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Peaches?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peaches, you can substitute them with nectarines, mangoes, or even strawberries for a different twist. Just make sure the fruit is ripe for the best flavor!
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the salami and feta cheese. You can replace the feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or add some avocado for creaminess. The salad will still be flavorful and delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat again. This helps prevent the veggies from becoming soggy!
Can I Prep This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can certainly prep the ingredients ahead! Chop the veggies and fruits in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just toss everything together with the dressing shortly before serving for the freshest taste!
