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

Name: Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486777H35M26S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-6 cups organic spinach; 2 large ripe peaches, sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles; 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste

Published: July 5, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe peaches and creamy avocado creates a delightful taste experience.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad comes together in no time.
Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber, this salad is a nutritious addition to your diet.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish or a side; it pairs well with various proteins like grilled chicken or tofu.
Stunning Presentation: The colorful ingredients make this salad an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing the Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese is straightforward. A few essential tools will help you create this dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Salad serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth balsamic vinaigrette with no clumps.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy slicing of peaches and dicing of avocado.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safe food preparation.

Ingredients

To make the Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese, gather the following ingredients:

Salad 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:
1. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. If desired, add sugar or maple syrup for sweetness.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add the spinach.
2. Drizzle with your preferred amount of balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
3. Top the salad with peach slices, diced avocado, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles, and toasted almonds.
4. Toss very gently again to mix all ingredients without breaking them apart.

Serve immediately for the best flavor! This salad serves 4. Enjoy your refreshing Summer Peach Spinach Salad!

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

This vibrant Summer Peach Spinach Salad is a delightful dish perfect for any summer gathering. Its refreshing flavors and textures make it a great choice for lunch or as a side dish.

For a Light Lunch

Serve this salad alone or pair it with a slice of whole grain bread for a satisfying meal.

As a Side Dish

This salad complements grilled chicken or turkey perfectly, adding freshness and color to your plate.

On a Picnic

Pack the salad in an airtight container and bring along the dressing separately to keep it fresh until serving.

With Additional Toppings

Consider adding sliced strawberries or blueberries for extra sweetness and color.

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

To ensure your Summer Peach Spinach Salad is absolutely delicious, follow these handy tips.

Use ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Toast almonds carefully: Lightly toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for enhanced flavor.
Make dressing ahead: Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette in advance to allow the flavors to meld together.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or honey as needed.

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

Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider alongside your salad.

Grilled Chicken Breasts: Seasoned simply with herbs, grilled chicken offers protein that balances this fresh salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds texture and complements the salad’s flavors beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers in olive oil and roast until tender for added nutrients.
Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onions make a fun, grilled side option.
Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad with tomato, cucumber, and lemon dressing provides additional protein while keeping it light.
Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn brushed with lime butter brings a sweet crunch that pairs well with peach flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese, there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind for the best results.

Skipping the dressing – Many people forget to add a dressing or use store-bought options. Homemade dressings enhance flavor and freshness.
Overcrowding the salad bowl – Adding too many ingredients can lead to a soggy salad. Stick to the recommended amounts for optimal texture.
Using unripe peaches – Unripe peaches can be hard and lack sweetness. Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor in your salad.
Not toasting almonds – Raw almonds lack the depth of flavor that toasted ones provide. Always toast them for added crunch and richness.
Preparing ahead of time – Making this salad too early can make it wilt. Serve immediately after assembling for the freshest taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store salad in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 1-2 days for freshness.
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

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

It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture of fresh ingredients like spinach and avocado.
Freezing can cause changes in texture and flavor.

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

Oven – Not recommended; salads are best served cold and fresh.
Microwave – Use sparingly if needed, but it may wilt leafy greens significantly.
Stovetop – Not suitable; instead, enjoy it chilled as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for goat cheese in the Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese?
You can substitute feta cheese or omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.

How do I make a vegan version of this salad?
To make a vegan version of the Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese, simply omit the goat cheese and use a plant-based gelling agent if necessary.

Can I add protein to this Summer Peach Spinach Salad?
Yes! Grilled chicken or turkey would complement this salad well without overpowering its flavors.

How do I choose ripe peaches for my salad?
Look for peaches that are slightly soft when gently squeezed and have a fragrant aroma. Avoid any bruises or blemishes on their skin.

What dressing pairs well with this Summer Peach Spinach Salad?
A balsamic vinaigrette works wonderfully with this salad, enhancing the flavors of peach and avocado beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite proteins or swapping out ingredients according to your preferences. Enjoy this easy-to-make dish all summer long!

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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe