Bright, juicy, and utterly refreshing, this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is summer in a bowl! Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing side, or a lively dish to add a pop of color to your table, you’ll love the way sweet peaches and blueberries mingle with creamy feta and crisp cucumber. All tossed in a zesty lemon-honey dressing, this salad is a favorite you’ll want to make on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, garden-fresh ingredients, each playing a key role in the delicious harmony of flavors and textures. Every component brings something different to the table, so don’t leave anything out!
- Fresh blueberries: These little berries provide juicy sweetness and a burst of color to every bite.
- Peaches: Their natural, sun-ripened sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy feta and bright vinaigrette.
- Persian cucumbers: Crisp, mild, and seedless – they add the perfect refreshing crunch to the salad.
- Crumbled feta: Salty, creamy, and just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
- Fresh lemon juice: This is the zingy backbone of the dressing, lifting the whole dish with a burst of citrus.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the homemade vinaigrette.
- Honey: Just a touch is needed to highlight the natural sweetness of the fruits.
- Olive oil: Helps create a silky, well-emulsified dressing that clings to every ingredient.
- Finely chopped basil: Fresh basil gives a fragrant, peppery note that makes the salad irresistible.
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and making all the ingredients sing.
How to Make Blueberry Peach Feta Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fruit and Veggies
Start by giving your blueberries a gentle rinse, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Dice the peaches into bite-sized pieces—no need to peel if the skins are thin and smooth. Finally, slice your Persian cucumbers into thin rounds. Gather everything in a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for a vibrant, beautiful salad base.
Step 2: Whisk the Lemon-Honey Dressing
In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it turns thick and glossy. Don’t forget a pinch of kosher salt and a twist or two of black pepper; these are crucial for roundness in flavor and balancing the sweetness and acidity.
Step 3: Toss and Combine
Pour your zesty lemon-honey dressing over the blueberries, peaches, and cucumbers. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently toss everything together so the dressing coats every piece. The goal is to evenly distribute the flavors without bruising the fruit.
Step 4: Add the Feta and Basil
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and finely chopped basil over the tossed salad. Give it one final, gentle toss to fold in the cheese and herbs. This is where the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad truly comes to life—creamy, tangy, herby, and so fresh.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the salad right away for maximum freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, add a final sprinkle of basil or a few extra crumbles of feta on top for a picture-perfect finish. This is your moment to make the salad look as delicious as it tastes!
How to Serve Blueberry Peach Feta Salad
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and sophistication, top your Blueberry Peach Feta Salad with additional fresh basil leaves or even a touch of lemon zest. A drizzle of olive oil just before serving gives it that chef’s kiss finish, making every ingredient shine.
Side Dishes
This salad plays well alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a crusty loaf of bread. Try serving it with fluffy quinoa, couscous, or herby rice for a nourishing, complete meal that’s light yet satisfying. It even works beautifully as part of a brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For picnics or parties, serve the salad in individual jars or small cups for a fun, portable presentation. You can also spoon it over a bed of baby greens for extra volume, or tuck it into lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer. However you present it, the salad’s vivid colors and fresh flavors are reliably crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with leftovers, transfer the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about a day, though the fruits may soften and the dressing might draw out extra juices as it sits.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing will compromise both the texture of the fruit and the creaminess of the feta cheese. For optimal taste and crunch, skip the freezer and make just what you’ll eat within a day or two.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute flavors and freshen up the presentation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Fresh blueberries deliver the firmest texture and brightest flavor, but if you only have frozen, let them thaw and drain any excess liquid. Just note that their texture may be a bit softer in the salad.
What other cheese can I use if I don’t have feta?
If feta isn’t your favorite, try using goat cheese, queso fresco, or even a creamy ricotta salata for a different but equally delicious twist. Each option brings its own type of tang and creaminess to the Blueberry Peach Feta Salad.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The vinaigrette can be whisked together and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just shake or whisk again before pouring over the salad when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to slice the peaches?
A sharp paring knife is your best friend here. Slice the peach in half around the pit, twist to separate, then dice into bite-sized pieces. If the skin is fuzzy or thick, feel free to peel them first for extra smoothness.
Is Blueberry Peach Feta Salad suitable for meal prep?
You can prep the fruit, cucumbers, and dressing separately ahead of time. Combine everything just before serving, and wait to add the feta and basil for the best taste and texture throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the mix of sweet, savory, and tangy in this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it become one of your own summer staples. Don’t be surprised if it steals the show at your next meal!