Every Summer, I look forward to August when the tree ripened peaches are ready. For many years, we lived close to orchards that grew peaches and/or we had a peach tree in our yard. Neither is the case currently, much to my dismay.
While writing this blog post, I took a break from writing and checked Facebook. Pictures of my sister with her daughter and granddaughter popped up, showing the three of them having a wonderful time picking about a ton of peaches. The peaches looked ripe and juicy and delicious! I hope they send some my way! Or at least make this Peach & Cucumber Salad recipe for themselves & enjoy it!
This refreshing salad is incredibly easy to make. Cool & crunchy cucumbers are combined with sweet & juicy peaches for the base of the salad. They are dressed in a peppery basil & mint vinaigrette with an added layer of brightness and complexity from some lime zest. It is a wonderful representation of many of the luscious flavors that Summer bestows on us, and it has the perfect balance between sweet and savory. For the best flavor and consistency, make, then enjoy this salad immediately!
Peach & Cucumber Salad
Peach & Cucumber Salad (a mash-up of recipes from simplyrecipes.com & bonappetit.com) Total Time Required: 15 minutes, Makes: 4 side salad servings or 2 main course salad servings
Ingredients:
For the salad
- 1 cucumber, peeled & seeded, then cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 fresh peaches, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch dice
For the vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon champagne or white wine vinegar
- zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 4 large fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- 4 large fresh mint leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- pita bread for serving, if desired
Directions:
Prep the peaches and cucumber and add them to a large bowl.
Combine the peaches and cucumber in a large bowl.
In the cup of a wand blender, combine the oil, vinegar, lime zest, honey, shallot, basil leaves, mint leaves, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped and the vinaigrette is completely emulsified.
Combine the ingredients for the vinaigrette.
Pour the vinaigrette over the peach and cucumber mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Add the feta to the bowl and gently mix again.
Add the vinaigrette and feta to the bowl.
Garnish the salad with torn basil leaves and serve immediately, with some pita bread, if desired.
Serve with pita bread, if desired.
Summer’s bounty is abundant in this salad! ~Linda
Peach & Cucumber Salad (a mash-up of recipes from simplyrecipes.com & bonappetit.com) Total Time Required: 15 minutes, Makes: 4 side salad servings or 2 main course salad servings
Ingredients:
For the salad
- 1 cucumber, peeled & seeded, then cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 fresh peaches, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch dice
For the vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon champagne or white wine vinegar
- zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 4 large fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- 4 large fresh mint leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- pita bread for serving, if desired
Directions:
Prep the peaches and cucumber and add them to a large bowl.
In the cup of a wand blender, combine the oil, vinegar, lime zest, honey, shallot, basil leaves, mint leaves, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped and the vinaigrette is completely emulsified.
Pour the vinaigrette over the peach and cucumber mixture. Toss to coat evenly. Add the feta to the bowl and gently mix again.
Garnish the salad with torn basil leaves and serve immediately, with some pita bread, if desired.