Refresh with Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Discover a refreshing twist with Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella that combines juicy sweetness, creamy textures, and vibrant colors for an easy-to-make dish bursting with flavor. This salad is perfect for warm days when you crave something light yet satisfying, merging the luscious taste of ripe peaches with the indulgent creaminess of fresh mozzarella and buttery avocado. Whether you need a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this salad hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and flavorful: Ripe peaches add natural sweetness that elevates the whole dish.
• Perfectly creamy: The avocado and mozzarella bring richness without heaviness.
• Quick to prepare: Minimal chopping and no cooking makes it an effortless choice for busy days.
• Beautiful presentation: Vibrant colors and textures make it as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily tailored to your taste or dietary needs with simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella, each adding unique flavor and texture that blend beautifully together. These essentials create harmony between sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of brightness.

• Ripe peaches: Choose firm yet juicy peaches for the best sweet and tangy flavor.
• Avocado: Adds buttery creaminess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Use small bocconcini for soft, mild cheese that melts in your mouth.
• Fresh basil leaves: Introduces fragrant herbal notes to brighten every bite.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a smooth richness and helps meld all ingredients together.
• Fresh lemon juice: Offers a citrusy zing that enhances natural flavors and prevents avocado browning.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to elevate the taste without overpowering it.
• Optional honey or agave: A small touch to boost sweetness if your peaches need a little extra help.

Variations for Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

This salad can easily be modified to suit what you have on hand or your personal flavor preferences. Feel free to mix up ingredients or try new additions to keep this recipe fresh and exciting.

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or toasted nuts for a heartier meal.
• Cheese alternatives: Swap mozzarella for burrata, feta, or goat cheese for different creamy profiles.
• Herbs variety: Use mint, cilantro, or arugula in place of basil to change the herbal aroma.
• Dressing twists: Infuse olive oil with garlic or add balsamic glaze to deepen flavor complexity.
• Make it vegan: Omit mozzarella and use vegan cheese or extra avocado to keep creaminess without dairy.

How to Make Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the peaches

Rinse peaches thoroughly, then slice them into thin wedges or bite-sized chunks. Aim for even pieces to balance sweetness throughout the salad.

Step 2: Cube the avocado

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Dice it gently to maintain creamy texture without turning mushy.

Step 3: Tear the mozzarella

If using larger mozzarella balls, tear them into smaller pieces or halve bocconcini to match the size of the fruit.

Step 4: Combine basil and seasonings

Chiffonade fresh basil leaves to release their fragrant oils, then set aside with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper.

Step 5: Assemble and dress

In a large bowl, gently toss peaches, avocado, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add a touch of honey if desired, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Making Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

• Choose peaches wisely: Look for peaches that are fragrant and yield slightly to pressure for ideal ripeness.
• Handle avocado gently: Dice it just before serving to avoid browning and maintain freshness.
• Use fresh mozzarella: Fresh cheese has a superior melt-in-your-mouth texture compared to pre-shredded versions.
• Adjust acidity: Lemon juice helps balance richness and prolongs avocado’s vibrant color.
• Chill before serving: Let the salad rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Garnishes

Top your salad with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch, or add a few edible flowers for a burst of color and elegance.

Side Dishes

This summer peach salad pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread, grilled seafood, or a light quinoa pilaf to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in hollowed-out peach halves or mason jars for a fun, picnic-ready presentation that impresses guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to keep the avocado fresh and the flavors vibrant.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended since avocado and mozzarella textures can degrade when thawed.

Reheating

Reheating is unnecessary since this dish is intended to be served cold or at room temperature to enjoy its bright, fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Fresh peaches provide the best texture and flavor, but if you must use canned, choose those packed in juice rather than syrup and drain them well.

What is the best way to keep avocado from browning?

Adding fresh lemon juice and storing the salad in an airtight container helps slow down browning effectively.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the mozzarella and consider using a vegan cheese alternative or extra avocado for creaminess.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It’s best prepared fresh or within the same day for optimal texture, but you can prepare ingredients separately beforehand to speed up assembly.

What wine pairs well with Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella?

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Rosé complement the sweetness of the peaches and creaminess of the cheese beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to refresh your summer meals, give this Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella a try. It’s an effortless yet elegant dish that balances flavors and textures in a way that feels both indulgent and light. Once you taste the sweet peaches mingling with creamy mozzarella and buttery avocado, you’ll have a new favorite to turn to all season long.

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