This Summer Peach Arugula Salad with Elderflower Vinaigrette and Crumbled Feta Cheese is delightfully juicy, bright and peppery. This delicious salad can be assembled in 5 minutes, making the best simple summer salad served on its own or as a side dish.
Fresh juicy summer peaches and arugula are simple, quintessential summer salads that remind us that seasonal ingredients are at their best.
The simple ingredients speak for themselves; everything pairs well together without much fuss. Sweet peaches are balanced by peppery arugula (one of our favourite salad greens).
> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Summer Peach Arugula Salad And Elderflower Vinaigrette
Rediscover your love for easy summer peach salad loaded with fresh peaches, baby arugula, crunchy pecans, and soft goat cheese, all tossed in an elderflower honey vinaigrette with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil! This is the perfect summertime salad served as a side salad or as the main dish for a light lunch or light dinner.
Which is the best tasting peach? We have the best juicy peaches living in British Columbia, Canada. There is always an abundance of fresh BC peaches, and at the end of peach season, we've had our fair share of fresh peach salads, peach salsas and a variety of fruit salads.
We like using Freestone peaches - the best stone fruits for cooking and baking. Plus, peeling and slicing Freestone peaches is very easy compared to Clingstone peaches. Similarly, there is also Saturn peach, aka Donut peaches. They are the sweetest.
Ingredients and Substitutes
You can nourish your body with minimal ingredients with your favourite salad greens, fresh herbs and sweet peaches. This fresh peach salad is packed with Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, potassium, calcium, zinc, protein and Omega-3 fats.
Arugula - We love the peppery bite of baby arugula but feel free to add other salad greens like spinach, spring mix or baby kale. There is no such thing as too much leafy greens!
Peaches - For best results, always use fresh peaches. You can try your local grocery store or farmer's market if you need help finding fresh peaches. Canned peaches or other stone fruits, such as nectarines, are suitable substitutes.
Feta Cheese - the tangy taste of crumbled feta cheese is the perfect combo for the sweet flavour of summer fruits. You can substitute it with burrata cheese or goat cheese.
Pecans - we lot adding toasted pecans or candied walnuts. You can also use cashews or pine nuts as substitutes.
Elderflower Vinaigrette - Elderflower Vinaigrette is simple to make with light salad dressing ingredients such as organic elderflower, white wine vinegar, grape seed oil (neutral-tasting oil), dijon mustard (I prefer the old-fashioned kind), maple syrup and brown sugar.
Compared to store-bought salad dressing, this elegant homemade dressing adds layers of flavour to the delicious arugula peach salad without overpowering it.
Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local grocery stores or online at my Amazon Store. I have linked the products for your convenience!
Vegan Arugula Peach Salad
You can also turn this salad into a vegan arugula salad simply by switching out the feta goat cheese for this delicious vegan almond ricotta cheese!
Instructions
I love this quick and easy fresh peach salad recipe that is ready in 5 minutes. Make this recipe at home with a few simple ingredients. The base salad ingredients are vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free. It is suitable for anyone with Celiac disease, who follows a gluten-free diet, is lactose intolerant, is vegan or simply wants to cut down on animal products.
Make-Ahead Tips
The easiest way to prepare this salad is to meal prep ahead of time.
Vegetables can be shredded, washed in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The Homemade Elderflower Vinaigrette Salad Dressing can also be made in advance the night before.
How To Make Elderflower Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together all the tangy dressing ingredients. Add kosher salt to taste. Set aside in the refrigerator.
In a small frying pan, toast the pecans, walnuts or pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown. Tossing frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat. Let rest. Set aside.
Elderflower vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Fastest Way To Peel A Peach
The easiest way to remove peach skin is to submerge peaches in a pot of boiled water.
A slotted spoon transfers the peaches from the pot to an ice bath to cool.
Once cooled to the touch, gently pull away the skin with your hands or a spoon.
Once the peaches are peeled, cut the peaches in half with a sharp knife.
Gently twist to pull both sides of the peach apart and remove the pit.
Quarter and cut into smaller pieces as desired.
Set aside.
Wash the vegetables and remove any wilted leaves. Half cherry tomatoes if desired.
I also highly recommend investing in a quality salad spinner. Drying your veggies thoroughly is so important after they are washed. It helps prevent watered-down salad dressings, and the salad stays fresher and longer!
This Summer Peach Arugula Salad with Elderflower Vinaigrette and Crumbled Feta Cheese is delightfully juicy, bright and peppery. This delicious salad can be assembled in 5 minutes, making the best simple summer salad served on its own or as a side dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the tangy dressing ingredients. Add kosher salt to taste. Set aside in the refrigerator.
In a small frying pan, toast the pecans, walnuts or pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown. Tossing frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat. Let rest. Set aside.
Elderflower vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Peel A Peach
The easiest way to remove peach skin is to submerge peaches in a pot of boiled water.
A slotted spoon transfers the peaches from the pot to an ice bath to cool.
Once cooled to the touch, gently pull away the skin with your hands or a spoon.
Once the peaches are peeled, cut the peaches in half with a sharp knife.
Gently twist to pull both sides of the peach apart and remove the pit.
Quarter and cut into smaller pieces as desired.
Set aside.
Peach Arugula Salad
Wash the vegetables and remove any wilted leaves. Half cherry tomatoes if desired.
I also highly recommend investing in a quality salad spinner. Drying your veggies thoroughly is so important after they are washed. It helps prevent watered-down salad dressings, and the salad stays fresher and longer!
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Wow, this Summer Peach Arugula Salad sounds absolutely amazing! The combination of juicy peaches, peppery arugula, and the delicate flavors of elderflower vinaigrette and crumbled feta cheese sounds like a delightful burst of freshness and sweetness. I love that it can be quickly assembled in just 5 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a simple and refreshing summer salad.
This salad looks so amazing that I couldn't wait for fresh peaches to be in season. It was so good! I made it with canned peaches and will make again with fresh.
I couldn't help but drool over your great salad photos Nancy. I'm loving the contrast between the juicy peaches and pepper arugula. It's even better when you add your amazing vegan ricotta!
I was searching for a good and refreshing salad recipe and I found yours, and oh my gosh. This salad is my new favorite salad ever! It is juicy, sweet, and very flavorful. LOVE IT!
What? Fruit salad in just 5 minutes? Perfect!! Not only is it's easy to prepare but it's also nutritious.:) I will definitely add this recipe to our picnic this coming weekend. Thanks!:)
Elderflower vinaigrette sounds absolutely elegant and I cannot wait to experience this salad. I may use goat cheese as I usually have that on hand. Yum!
I love arugula, but I'm always trying to figure out how to make the most of it given how short of a time it lasts. Salads are a go-to of course, but they're often lacking something. Peach is, I have to say, the perfect touch. That intense stone fruit sweetness with peppery arugula is perfect!
i just don't get enough garden fresh arugula - too short the growing season - and often have to resort to store bought. But I agree with you stone fruits is just perfect contrast with these greens!
I'm loving this arugala and peach in a salad. A great salad for the summer when peaches are in season. But, a great option for a salad anytime really. Delicious!
All my favourite salad ingredients right here....and from what I understand there's one more late peach variety left for summer 2020. I'll keep my eyes open for them so I can give this salad a try.
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Asha says
Love the tasty elderflower vinaigrette that goes with this salad. So tangy and delicious. What a refreshing salad.
★★★★★
Sangeetha says
Wow, this Summer Peach Arugula Salad sounds absolutely amazing! The combination of juicy peaches, peppery arugula, and the delicate flavors of elderflower vinaigrette and crumbled feta cheese sounds like a delightful burst of freshness and sweetness. I love that it can be quickly assembled in just 5 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a simple and refreshing summer salad.
Marie-Pierre Breton says
I love a good sweet and salty salad! Little question though: where do you get your Elderflowers?? fresh?? Could I use Elderflower syrup instead??
★★★★★
Vanessa says
Saving for peach season - what a great looking summer salad!
★★★★★
Colleen says
This salad looks so amazing that I couldn't wait for fresh peaches to be in season. It was so good! I made it with canned peaches and will make again with fresh.
★★★★★
Bernice says
I couldn't help but drool over your great salad photos Nancy. I'm loving the contrast between the juicy peaches and pepper arugula. It's even better when you add your amazing vegan ricotta!
★★★★★
sonya says
Delicious flavour combo! Arugula salads are among my favourite this time of year 🙂
★★★★★
Asha says
Love the delicious, flower-infused vinaigrette. Such a pretty salad for enjoying as the weather gets warmer.
★★★★★
Natalie says
I used canned peaches, turned out fantastic! I will definitely make this salad again with fresh peaches. Keeping this recipe in my cookbook. Thanks!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Canned peaches still has their spot in my tummy!
Chris says
I was searching for a good and refreshing salad recipe and I found yours, and oh my gosh. This salad is my new favorite salad ever! It is juicy, sweet, and very flavorful. LOVE IT!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Chris!! enjoy it!!
Katie says
Obsessed with this salad! It's so unique, yet so delicious! I already can't wait to make it again!
★★★★★
Nancy says
we really enjoyed it toO!! can't wait for okanagan summer peaches!
Andrea says
love this salad and how light and fresh it is! delicious!
★★★★★
Nancy says
thanks Andrea!
Emily says
I tried this delicious salad over the summer and can't wait to make it again! The elderflower vinaigrette was delightful!
★★★★★
Nancy says
i'm with you! can't wait to make this again with fresh peaches
Kayla DiMaggio says
Oh this looks so delicious! I love the flavor of peaches and arugula together!
★★★★★
Nancy says
I want to be transported to summer now!
Kayla DiMaggio says
This Summer arugula salad was so delicious! It was the perfect salad for the weather here in California!
★★★★★
Nancy says
I'm really jealous of the summer weather year round in Cali!
Jerika says
What? Fruit salad in just 5 minutes? Perfect!! Not only is it's easy to prepare but it's also nutritious.:) I will definitely add this recipe to our picnic this coming weekend. Thanks!:)
★★★★★
Nancy says
PicniC?! lucky you!
Nora says
The perfect salad for hot summer days! Love it! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Perfect refreshing salad year round!
Natalie says
Beautiful salad. Flavors sounds amazing. I will definitely give it a try when peaches come in season. Yum!
★★★★★
Nancy says
oh yum!! i love white peaches!
Jeannie says
loving all the flavors combine in this salad its so fresh and tasty
★★★★★
Nancy says
I really miss summer!! Sometimes I use canned peaches in the summer when fresh are not available.
Terri Gilson says
Peaches and feta are perfect in summer salads! I’m bringing some fresh peaches hone from my BC trip and can’t wait to make this!!
★★★★★
Nancy says
oh i love fresh peaches! I should plan a road trip!
Sharon says
Elderflower vinaigrette sounds absolutely elegant and I cannot wait to experience this salad. I may use goat cheese as I usually have that on hand. Yum!
★★★★★
Nancy says
goat cheese sounds like a lovely pairing!
Sean says
I love arugula, but I'm always trying to figure out how to make the most of it given how short of a time it lasts. Salads are a go-to of course, but they're often lacking something. Peach is, I have to say, the perfect touch. That intense stone fruit sweetness with peppery arugula is perfect!
★★★★★
Nancy says
i just don't get enough garden fresh arugula - too short the growing season - and often have to resort to store bought. But I agree with you stone fruits is just perfect contrast with these greens!
AmyG says
I'm loving this arugala and peach in a salad. A great salad for the summer when peaches are in season. But, a great option for a salad anytime really. Delicious!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Hey Amy! any time is a great time for salads and maximizing my 'half your plate' motto with stone fruits and greens 🙂
Bernice says
YES! This is my kind of summer salad. Tasty fresh fruit paired with great greens and tasty cheese. A winner on our table.
★★★★★
Nancy says
It's a great way to get your fruit and veggie servings without feeling like a chore !! so tasty!
Kristen says
The elderflower vinaigrette is so lovely, I will be using this many more times.
★★★★★
Nancy says
Elderflower is incredibly delicious and wonderful! It's a wonderful addition 🙂
Terri says
This salad is both beautiful and delicious!!
★★★★★
Nancy says
Thanks Terri! Hope this makes it your dinner table!
Vanessa says
Wow - what a gorgeous salad! Great way to use the basket of local peaches in my pantry.
★★★★★
Nancy says
wow you're so lucky you still have fresh local peaches!!
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says
Fresh and delicious, this arugula salad has a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.
★★★★★
Nancy says
yes, everything just sings so well together! Hope you like it!
Bernice Hill says
All my favourite salad ingredients right here....and from what I understand there's one more late peach variety left for summer 2020. I'll keep my eyes open for them so I can give this salad a try.
★★★★★
Nancy says
I must go get more fresh peaches!!