Refreshing Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Discover a vibrant Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella that’s perfectly fresh, creamy, and bursting with seasonal flavors! This delightful combination blends juicy ripe peaches with rich avocado and soft mozzarella, creating a mouthwatering summer dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re after a light lunch or an impressive side for your BBQ, this salad brings a harmonious balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crispness to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Seasonal: Showcases ripe peaches at their peak for a naturally sweet and juicy flavor.
• Creamy Texture: Avocado and mozzarella add a smooth and luscious bite, balancing the fruit’s freshness.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find, wholesome components that come together in minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a light meal, appetizer, or side dish for any summer gathering.
• Nutritious and Colorful: Packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and vibrant colors that brighten your plate and mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather fresh and straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in making this salad shine — from the sweet juiciness of peaches to the buttery texture of avocado and the mild creaminess of mozzarella.

• Ripe Peaches: Choose firm yet juicy peaches for the best sweet flavor and texture.
• Avocado: Use ripe but firm avocado to add creaminess and a buttery mouthfeel.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Opt for soft balls or pearls that melt gently with each bite.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a fragrant, peppery note that complements the fruits beautifully.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and ties all the flavors together with a smooth finish.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash adds bright acidity that balances the richness of avocado and mozzarella.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors in the salad.
• Optional Honey Drizzle: Adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the peaches without overpowering.

Variations for Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Feel free to customize this salad to match your tastes, dietary needs, or what’s available in your kitchen. The recipe adapts effortlessly to different flavor profiles and ingredient swaps.

• Nuts and Seeds: Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for crunch and extra nutrition.
• Greens Base: Serve over arugula, spinach, or mixed greens to bulk it up and add earthiness.
• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute mozzarella with burrata or feta for a different creamy texture and tang.
• Herbs Swap: Try mint or cilantro in place of basil for a fresh herbal twist.
• Protein Boost: Include grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier summer meal.

How to Make Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Wash and dry the peaches thoroughly. Slice them into even wedges or rounds to ensure every bite carries that delicious, juicy sweetness.

Step 2: Slice the Avocado

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and carefully slice into thin segments. Keep the slices intact to mix gently with other ingredients later.

Step 3: Tear the Mozzarella

If you’re using fresh mozzarella balls, tear them into bite-sized chunks for a soft, creamy texture that blends seamlessly with the fruit.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently toss the peach slices, avocado, and mozzarella pieces with fresh basil leaves to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the salad. Season lightly with sea salt and cracked black pepper, and if desired, add a honey drizzle for subtle sweetness.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve the salad right away to enjoy its freshness and best textures, ensuring the avocado stays vibrant and the peaches remain juicy.

Pro Tips for Making Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

• Choose firm but ripe peaches: Avoid overly soft peaches to prevent mushiness in the salad.
• Use fresh mozzarella: Higher quality cheese enhances texture and flavor dramatically.
• Add lemon juice right away: This prevents avocado from browning and keeps the salad looking vibrant.
• Toss gently: Combine ingredients carefully to keep avocado slices intact and avoid crushing the peaches.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld perfectly.

How to Serve Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and a few extra basil leaves on top for a visually appealing and aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, crusty bread, or a refreshing iced herbal tea to create a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the salad in a glass jar for a colorful presentation or arranging peach slices and mozzarella balls on individual plates for an elegant appetizer style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Note that avocado may brown slightly but will still taste great.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the texture of peaches, avocado, and mozzarella will change significantly upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold and fresh, reheating isn’t necessary or advisable to preserve its best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Fresh peaches are highly recommended because canned peaches tend to be too soft and sweet, which alters the salad’s fresh and crisp profile.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

To make it vegan, simply replace mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative, and ensure the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Adding lemon juice immediately after slicing and serving the salad promptly helps keep avocado fresh and green.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, but it’s best to combine and dress the salad shortly before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What kind of mozzarella works best?

Fresh mozzarella balls or mozzarella pearls work best because they offer soft texture and mild flavor that complements the peaches and avocado.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Peach Salad with Avocado & Mozzarella is a shining star of warm-weather eating. Its vibrant colors, luscious textures, and perfectly balanced flavors make it an absolute joy to prepare and share. Try this recipe for your next get-together or anytime you crave something fresh and satisfying — you’ll want to make it a staple all summer long!

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