If you are looking for a salad that bursts with fresh flavors and a delightful mix of textures, this Peach Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing and Feta Recipe is an absolute must-try. The juicy sweetness of ripe peaches pairs beautifully with peppery arugula and tangy feta, while the bright, citrusy orange poppyseed dressing ties everything together into a harmonious balance that will make your taste buds sing. It’s a simple yet sensational dish that’s as impressive for casual lunches as it is for entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own charm to this Peach Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing and Feta Recipe. From the crispness of baby arugula to the creamy tang of Danish feta, plus the perfectly toasted walnuts for crunch — every component plays a crucial role in crafting a salad that’s refreshing, richly textured, and bursting with flavor.
- Baby rocket/arugula (120g/4oz): Provides a fresh, peppery base that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
- Yellow peaches, ripe and juicy (2): Thinly sliced to deliver natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Walnuts, lightly toasted (1/3 cup): Adds a toasty crunch and earthy depth to contrast the soft fruit.
- Creamy Danish feta (70g/2oz): Offers creamy, salty tang; can substitute with Persian marinated feta or goat cheese for variation.
- Apple cider or white wine vinegar (2 tbsp): Brightens the dressing with a subtle acidic lift.
- Extra virgin olive oil (6 tbsp): Creates a silky texture, binding the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Orange zest (1 tsp, optional): Infuses a fresh citrus aroma that complements the poppyseed dressing beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (2 tsp): Adds a gentle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Poppy seeds (1 tbsp): For a nutty crunch and visual appeal in the dressing.
- Sugar (1/4 tsp): Balances acidity for a perfectly rounded flavor.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad and dressing.
How to Make Peach Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by making the zesty orange poppyseed dressing — simply combine the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sugar, salt, and optional orange zest in a jar with a lid. Shake it vigorously until everything is emulsified and beautifully blended. This dressing is the star that brings brightness and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Step 2: Toss the Rocket
Place the baby rocket or arugula in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle just a little bit of the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat. This step ensures each leaf is lightly dressed, preserving the fresh, peppery character without overwhelming the delicate greens.
Step 3: Layer the Salad
Transfer a third of the lightly dressed rocket to your serving bowl or plate. Scatter over a portion of thinly sliced peaches, some crunchy toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta. Drizzle a little more dressing over the layer. Repeat this layering process two more times, creating a vibrant, beautifully arranged salad that’s bursting with color and texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors at their best.
How to Serve Peach Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a handful of thinly shaved fennel adds an extra fresh note on top. You can also add a few edible flowers for a stunning presentation that’s bound to brighten up your table.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood, making it a perfect side for summer barbecues or light dinners. For a vegetarian option, try serving it alongside warm crusty bread or a simple quinoa pilaf to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad components in a clear glass trifle bowl for a gorgeous visual effect or serve individual portions in small glass bowls to make a fun appetizer. You can also skewer peach slices, feta cubes, and walnut pieces for bite-sized salad bites drizzled with dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving again to keep the greens crisp and the peaches fresh.
Freezing
Because fresh peaches and leafy greens don’t freeze well, this Peach Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing and Feta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. The dressing, however, can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy any prepared leftovers chilled for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Absolutely! Nectarines work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a slightly firmer texture with similar sweetness and flavor.
What if I don’t have Danish feta?
You can substitute with Persian marinated feta, goat cheese, or even a mild ricotta salata to maintain that creamy, tangy element in the salad.
Is it possible to make the dressing without poppy seeds?
Yes, you can omit the poppy seeds if you prefer, though they add a nice crunch and visual appeal. The dressing will still be delicious without them.
How do I toast walnuts perfectly?
Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until they’re fragrant and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn them!
Can this salad be made vegan?
Definitely. Simply replace the feta with a vegan cheese substitute or omit it entirely and add extra toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing and Feta Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels both elegant and effortlessly simple. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving in the heat of summer or anytime you want a refreshing, flavor-packed salad that impresses. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out — your taste buds will thank you!
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Peach Salad with Orange Poppyseed Dressing and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Peach Salad II featuring baby rocket leaves, juicy ripe peaches, toasted walnuts, and creamy Danish feta, all tossed in a bright and tangy Orange Poppyseed Dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish to accompany your meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 120g / 4oz baby rocket/arugula
- 2 yellow peaches, ripe and juicy, halved then cut into thin slices (nectarines also work)
- 1/3 cup walnuts, lightly toasted then broken or chopped into pieces
- 70g / 2oz creamy Danish feta (or Persian marinated feta or goat’s cheese)
Dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider or white wine vinegar
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or a nut oil)
- 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated (optional)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Make Dressing: Combine apple cider or white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, orange zest, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sugar, and salt in a jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well emulsified and combined into a smooth dressing.
- Toss Rocket: Place the baby rocket (arugula) leaves in a large bowl. Drizzle a small amount of the prepared orange poppyseed dressing over the leaves and toss gently to coat them evenly with the dressing, enhancing their flavor without overwhelming the delicate greens.
- Assemble Salad: Transfer approximately one-third of the dressed rocket into a serving bowl. Evenly scatter one-third of the thinly sliced peaches, toasted walnuts, and crumbled creamy Danish feta over the greens. Drizzle some more dressing over this layer. Repeat this layering process two more times until all salad components are used, creating a colorful and flavorful layered salad ready to serve.
Notes
- Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the salad.
- If yellow peaches are not in season, nectarines make an excellent substitute.
- The orange zest in the dressing is optional but adds a lovely citrus aroma and brightness.
- This salad is best served fresh to enjoy the crispness of the rocket and the juiciness of the peaches.
