I love quick food that tastes like summer. I make Juicy Peach and Mozzarella Delight Salad when the sun is high and peaches are sweet. If you like the mix of cheese and fruit, I also make a warm main that pairs well with soft cheese like in my Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with mozzarella and balsamic vinaigrette.
My Dad James taught me to slice fruit thin and serve it with care. Mom Eva always said simple food brings us close and Sister Jennifer asks for this salad every time peaches appear.
Your Ingredients List
- Fresh ripe peaches
- Creamy mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
My Go-To Equipment
I keep this salad simple so I use just a few tools. I use a sharp knife to get clean slices. I use a medium bowl to mix the fruit and cheese. I also like a platter to show the colors. A small spoon helps to drizzle the glaze. That is all you need.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Slice the peaches and mozzarella cheese.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced peaches and mozzarella.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing salad or side dish.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I like to change one thing and keep the rest the same. You can grill the peaches for a touch of smoke. You can add a handful of arugula to give the salad a peppery bite. Nuts like sliced almonds or toasted pecans add a nice crunch and can boost the protein and fat in a healthy way. Swap mozzarella for burrata for a richer feel, or try a light fresh cheese to cut calories.
If you want a warm bowl instead of a cool plate, add roasted squash or a grain like farro. I have a note on a different dish that blends cheese and greens in a cozy way in my butternut squash lasagna soup with kale and mozzarella. It is not the same salad, but it shows how mozzarella can lift warm dishes.
Try a citrus vinaigrette if you want a brighter note. Mix fresh orange juice with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Keep the balsamic drizzle for when you want a deep sweet tang.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I serve this salad as a light main on hot nights or as a side at a cookout. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. For a casual lunch, I place the salad next to a crusty roll and a small bowl of olives. When friends come over, I make a few small plates with crackers and have the salad in the center.
For quick bites, I sometimes fold the salad into a sandwich or place it on toast. If you like finger foods, try it with cucumber rounds or on a slice of toasted sourdough. I also like to serve it with cold sandwiches like my simple cucumber bites; try pairing it with quick cucumber salad sandwiches for a fresh spread. The salad adds fruit brightness and a creamy note from the cheese.
If you plan a picnic, pack the dressing in a small jar and toss the salad just before you eat. That keeps the fruit firm and pretty.
Getting It Just Right
Pick peaches that give a little when you press them. A firm peach that smells sweet will work well. If the peaches are too soft, they will turn mushy when you toss them. Choose fresh mozzarella in a block or ball form. Slice it with a sharp knife so the pieces stay neat.
Tear basil by hand. Ripping the leaves helps the scent come out. Do not over-salt. Taste first, then add a little salt and a few turns of pepper. Use the balsamic glaze sparingly. A thin drizzle goes a long way and keeps the salad balanced.
Serve the salad cool, not cold. Let it sit for five minutes at room temperature so the flavors open but do not let it sit too long or the peaches will lose their firmness.
How to Store Leftovers
This salad tastes best fresh, but you can save a small portion. Put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Use within one day for the best texture. If you know you will have leftovers, store the balsamic glaze separately and add it just before serving to keep the peaches firm. If the mozzarella releases water, drain gently before you eat the next day.
Do not freeze this salad. The fruit and cheese will not keep their texture after freezing.
Enjoy Every Moment
I make this salad when I want a simple meal with big flavor. I take time to slice and place each piece so the plate looks pretty. Food is about taste and memory. I hope this salad brings both to your table. Enjoy the light sweetness and the soft cheese with people you love.
A Few Common Questions
How ripe should the peaches be for Juicy Peach and Mozzarella Delight Salad?
I often get asked how ripe the peaches should be for Juicy Peach and Mozzarella Delight Salad. Pick peaches that are slightly soft and smell sweet. Very hard peaches will lack flavor and very soft peaches will be too mushy.
How do I prevent Juicy Peach and Mozzarella Delight Salad from tasting bland?
Some people worry the salad will be bland. For Juicy Peach and Mozzarella Delight Salad, use a good balsamic glaze and fresh basil. Taste as you add salt and pepper so the sweet fruit and mild cheese balance.
How long can I store Juicy Peach and Mozzarella Delight Salad?
You might ask how long you can store this salad. Keep Juicy Peach and Mozzarella Delight Salad in the fridge in a tight container and eat it within a day. Add the glaze right before serving for the best look and taste.
Print
Juicy Peach and Mozzarella Delight Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad combining sweet peaches, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. Perfect for summer!
Ingredients
- Fresh ripe peaches
- Creamy mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Slice the peaches and mozzarella cheese.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced peaches and mozzarella.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing salad or side dish.
Notes
For variations, grill peaches or add arugula for a peppery bite. Store leftovers in an airtight container but consume within a day for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peach salad, mozzarella salad, summer salad