Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios

Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios is a delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This salad combines juicy peaches with the crunch of pistachios and the freshness of basil, making it an ideal option for picnics, barbecues, or light dinners. Whether served as a side or a light dessert topped with vegan ice cream, it’s sure to impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: The combination of ripe peaches and fresh basil creates a flavor explosion that delights the taste buds.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or turn it into a light meal by adding protein-rich toppings like quinoa or chickpeas.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats from pistachios and hemp seeds, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Beautiful Presentation: The colorful layers make this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing—perfect for impressing guests!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios, you’ll need some essential tools that will help you create this dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Medium-sized serving bowl
• Small skillet
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing peaches and basil, enhancing presentation.
• Medium-sized serving bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients without spilling; it keeps everything contained while you prepare your salad.
• Small skillet: Perfect for toasting pistachios to enhance their flavor; toasting brings out their natural oils.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 ripe peaches
• 7 to 10 fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
• 4 cups arugula

For the Dressing

• 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil (or another neutral oil)
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. agave
• Pinch of salt
• 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds

How to Make Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Use a sharp knife to cut the peaches into 1-inch wedges and put them in a medium-sized serving bowl (you can discard the pits).

Step 2: Slice the Basil

To slice the basil, stack the leaves with the largest on bottom and the smallest on top. Roll the leaves into a “cigar” shape and use a rocking motion with your knife tip to slice them into thin ribbons. Add the sliced basil to the bowl of peaches.

Step 3: Toast the Pistachios

Warm a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped pistachios to the pan. Toast for three minutes, shaking the pan once or twice until they are fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer them to the bowl with peaches and basil.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together grapeseed oil, lemon juice, agave, and salt until well combined. Pour this dressing over the peach mixture and use a rubber spatula to gently stir everything together. Sprinkle on hemp seeds and stir again.

Step 5: Serve

Divide arugula between four salad bowls. Top each portion with the peach mixture for a refreshing finish.

This Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavors that celebrate summer! Enjoy!

How to Serve Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios

This Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light appetizer or a refreshing dessert, this salad will impress your guests.

As a Refreshing Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a delightful contrast of flavors. The sweetness of the peaches complements savory meats perfectly.

Over a Bed of Greens

• Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for added nutrition and texture. This option enhances the presentation and makes it more filling.

With Vegan Ice Cream

• Consider adding a scoop of vegan ice cream on top for a sweet twist. The combination of warm peaches and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.

At Summer Gatherings

• Present this salad at barbecues or picnics as a vibrant addition to your spread. Its colorful appearance will draw attention and make it a favorite among guests.

How to Perfect Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios

Creating the perfect Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios is easy with a few tips in mind.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Toast the pistachios: Toasting enhances their flavor, making them crunchier and more aromatic.
• Use fresh basil: Fresh basil leaves elevate the salad’s taste. Dried basil lacks the vibrant flavor profile needed.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the agave to suit your taste preferences, especially if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
• Mix colors: Incorporate other colorful fruits like berries for added visual appeal and nutrients.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios

This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with several side dishes, enhancing your meal experience.

1. Grilled Vegetable Platter: A mix of seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed in olive oil and herbs adds depth.

2. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing complements the peach salad perfectly.

3. Chickpea Salad: Chickpeas mixed with diced cucumber, onion, and parsley create a hearty side that balances flavors well.

4. Couscous with Herbs: Fluffy couscous flavored with fresh herbs provides a light yet satisfying side dish.

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, vegetables, and spices offer an eye-catching addition to your table.

6. Roasted Cauliflower: Seasoned roasted cauliflower brings out nutty flavors that pair beautifully with peaches.

7. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and cherry tomatoes creates a low-carb alternative that’s refreshing.

8. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and vegan mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze provide bite-sized perfection alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and presentation. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using unripe peaches: Always choose ripe peaches for this salad. Unripe peaches can be hard and lack sweetness. Look for peaches that yield slightly when gently pressed.

• Skipping the toasting step: Toasting pistachios enhances their flavor. If you skip this step, your salad might taste flat. Take just a few minutes to toast them in a skillet for the best results.

• Not seasoning properly: A pinch of salt can elevate the flavors of your salad. Without proper seasoning, the dish may taste bland. Don’t forget to adjust seasoning in your dressing to match your taste.

• Forgetting the greens: The arugula adds not only texture but also a peppery contrast to the sweet peaches. Omitting it can lead to a less balanced salad. Always layer it generously at the base.

• Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can overpower the fresh ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, ensuring you maintain the vibrant flavors of each component.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Add arugula just before serving to keep it fresh.

Freezing Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
• If you do freeze, store components separately and consume within one month.

Reheating Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread components on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying your Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios:

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes! You can substitute almonds, walnuts, or pecans if you prefer. Just make sure they are roasted for extra flavor.

How do I customize my Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios?

Feel free to add feta cheese or sunflower seeds for additional flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro can also enhance it further.

What other fruits work well in this salad?

You can experiment with nectarines, strawberries, or even blueberries for different flavors while maintaining freshness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare all components ahead of time but should combine them right before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to serve as either a side dish or dessert. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or nuts based on your preferences. Enjoy this delightful recipe during summer gatherings or simply as a healthy treat!

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Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the bright and refreshing flavors of summer with our Summer Peach Salad with Pistachios. This delightful dish features juicy peaches, crunchy roasted pistachios, and fragrant basil, all atop a bed of peppery arugula. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light dinner, this salad can be enjoyed as a vibrant side or topped with vegan ice cream for a unique dessert. With its beautiful presentation and a mix of textures, it’s sure to impress your guests while providing a nutritious option packed with vitamins and healthy fats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe peaches
• 7 to 10 fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup roasted pistachios, roughly chopped
• 4 cups arugula
• 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil (or another neutral oil)
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. agave
• Pinch of salt
• 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds

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Instructions

1. Cut peaches into 1-inch wedges and place in a serving bowl.
2. Stack and roll basil leaves; slice into ribbons and add to the bowl.
3. Toast pistachios in a small skillet over medium-low heat for about three minutes until fragrant. Add to the peach mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together grapeseed oil, lemon juice, agave, and salt. Pour over the peach salad and mix gently; sprinkle hemp seeds on top.
5. Serve over arugula in individual bowls.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad portion (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg