Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans

Published: July 23, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing flavors – The sweet peaches and tangy dressing create a bright taste profile that’s hard to resist.
Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Nutrient-rich – Packed with superfoods like kale and blueberries, this salad offers vitamins and minerals in every bite.
Versatile serving options – Serve it as a main dish or side; it complements grilled meats beautifully.
Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the candied pecans and dressing in advance for an even quicker assembly.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Skillet
Fork
Parchment paper
Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl – Ideal for combining ingredients without spilling, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Skillet – Perfect for making candied pecans; it allows you to control heat for an even caramelization.

Ingredients

This refreshing berry peachy kale salad is packed with summer superfoods and topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy candied pecans.

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon stone ground mustard
Freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad

5 cups lightly packed torn kale leaves (center stems removed)
1 ripe peach, sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
2 ounces crumbled chèvre

For the Candied Pecans

1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup pecan halves
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon bittersweet smoked paprika

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Pecans

To make the candied pecans:
1. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the pecan halves, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and a couple of pinches of sea salt.
3. Cook while stirring constantly until the pecans are coated in a sticky glaze, about 8 minutes.
4. Transfer the pecans to a parchment-lined plate to cool in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

For the dressing:
1. In a large bowl, mix together all dressing ingredients using a fork until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Kale

To prepare the kale:
1. Add torn kale leaves to the bowl with dressing.
2. Toss to coat thoroughly.
3. Massage the kale by hand until it turns darker green and tender (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Finally:
1. Transfer the kale to a serving platter or divide between individual plates.
2. Top with peach slices, blueberries, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans.

Enjoy your delicious Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans!

How to Serve Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans

Serving your Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions for presenting this refreshing dish.

As a Light Lunch

Serve the salad in large bowls for a filling yet healthy lunch option. Pair it with whole grain bread for added texture.

With Grilled Protein

Top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp to create a complete meal. The sweetness of the peaches complements the savory flavors beautifully.

On a Picnic

Pack individual servings in mason jars for an easy picnic treat. Layer the ingredients to keep everything fresh and crunchy until you’re ready to eat.

As a Starter

Present smaller portions as a starter before a main course. Use elegant plates to enhance visual appeal.

How to Perfect Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans

To ensure your Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans is nothing short of perfection, consider these helpful tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Opt for ripe peaches and fresh kale to maximize flavor and nutrition.
Massage the kale: Gently massage the kale leaves for 2-3 minutes. This softens them, making the salad more enjoyable.
Customize your nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds if you want variety.
Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of maple syrup in your dressing according to your taste preference.
Add more fruits: Incorporate other seasonal fruits such as strawberries or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after preparing it, especially after massaging the kale.

Best Side Dishes for Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans

Pairing side dishes with your Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans can enhance your meal’s flavor profile. Here are some delightful side options:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor that complements the salad’s freshness.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs can be a nutritious side that balances well.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add an Italian flair.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the salad’s flavors.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides contrast in texture and is always a favorite.
Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds crispness and acidity to balance out richer flavors.
Fruit Platter: Serve assorted seasonal fruits for a refreshing finish after the meal.
Chickpea Hummus with Veggies: A healthy dip served alongside fresh veggies offers added crunch and nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfect.

Using old kale: Freshness is key in salads. Always choose vibrant green kale leaves. Wilted or yellowing leaves can affect the taste and texture of your salad.
Skipping the massage: Not massaging the kale can lead to a tough salad. Take a few minutes to massage the leaves with dressing until they soften; this enhances flavor and texture.
Overcooking the pecans: Burnt pecans can ruin your dish. Cook them over medium heat and watch closely; they should be golden and fragrant, not dark brown.
Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season adequately can make the salad bland. Ensure you add enough salt and pepper to elevate the flavors of the ingredients.
Not balancing flavors: A salad needs a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy elements. Adjust your ingredients, like adding more peaches or vinegar, if it tastes one-dimensional.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Keep dressing separate if possible to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans

It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture will change upon thawing.
If necessary, freeze candied pecans separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), spread salad on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Place salad in a microwave-safe dish covered loosely with a lid; heat in short intervals until warm but not wilty.
Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through; avoid cooking too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans ahead of time?

You can prepare the candied pecans and dressing a day before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.

Can I use other fruits in my Summer Kale Salad?

Absolutely! While peaches are delicious, feel free to substitute with berries or apples for different flavor profiles.

How do I make this Summer Kale Salad vegan?

To make it vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.

What can I serve alongside this Summer Kale Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also complements summer BBQs beautifully!

Is this Summer Kale Salad good for meal prep?

Yes! This salad holds up well when prepared ahead of time, especially if you store components separately until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

The Summer Kale Salad with Peaches and Candied Pecans is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding proteins like grilled chicken or swapping out seasonal fruits. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it perfect for summer gatherings or as a healthy lunch option. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients!

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