Looking for a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite? Look no further than this vibrant Summer Chopped Tomato Peach Salad! Bursting with juicy ripe tomatoes and sweet, succulent peaches, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to sun-drenched picnics and backyard barbecues. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this deliciously simple recipe that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a light lunch. Dive into this article and discover how to create a salad that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 peaches, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Chop ripe tomatoes into bite-sized, roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Place chopped tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice peaches into similar-sized pieces as the tomatoes, removing the pit. Add diced peaches to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the red onion using a sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent rings or half-rings. Add to the tomato and peach mixture.
- Gently wash fresh basil leaves and pat dry. Chop or tear basil into small pieces, releasing its aromatic oils.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the tomato, peach, and onion mixture. Sprinkle chopped basil on top.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve immediately in individual bowls or on a platter, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Produce: For the best flavor, select ripe tomatoes and peaches. They should feel slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. This will ensure your salad is bursting with freshness.
- Uniform Cutting: Aim for uniform sizes when chopping the tomatoes and peaches. This not only makes the salad visually appealing but also ensures that every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
- Chill Your Ingredients: If you have time, chill your tomatoes and peaches in the refrigerator before preparing the salad. This will enhance the refreshing quality of the dish, making it even more enjoyable on a hot day.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Adding a splash of lemon juice or a hint of honey can elevate the flavors even more. Adjust the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to your taste preference.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully. This step is crucial for a more harmonious taste experience.
- Garnish Creatively: Consider adding a sprinkle of feta cheese or toasted nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like mint or cilantro can also add a unique twist!
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg