Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Name: Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489139H53M5S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-6 cups organic spinach; 2 large ripe peaches, sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles (or feta); 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds

Published: July 23, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of sweet peaches and creamy goat cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrient-rich spinach, avocado, and almonds, this salad is good for your body without sacrificing taste.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or a side—this peach spinach salad fits any occasion!
Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or swap ingredients based on what’s in season.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Whisk
Medium bowl
Large bowl
Measuring spoons
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Whisk: Ideal for mixing the vinaigrette evenly to enhance flavor.
Large bowl: Perfectly sized to toss all ingredients without making a mess.
Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing peaches and dicing avocado effortless.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4-6 cups organic spinach
2 large peaches, sliced
1 avocado, diced
1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles (or sub feta)
1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
Optional: 1-2 teaspoons sugar, pure maple syrup or honey to sweeten dressing
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette ingredients: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add your choice of sweetener here.

Step 2: Toss the Spinach

In a large bowl, add the organic spinach. Drizzle with your desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine everything well.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Top the salad with peach slices, diced avocado, red onion slices, goat cheese crumbles, and toasted almonds. Toss gently once more to avoid bruising the delicate ingredients.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

For the best flavor and texture experience, serve your salad right away. Enjoy this delightful summer peach spinach salad as a refreshing meal option!

How to Serve Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Serving this vibrant summer peach spinach salad is an opportunity to impress your guests or simply indulge in a healthy meal. The combination of sweet peaches, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese makes for a delightful experience.

As a Light Lunch

Pair the salad with whole-grain bread for a satisfying meal that’s still light.

With Grilled Chicken

Serve alongside grilled chicken breast for added protein, making it a complete dish.

As a Side Dish

This salad is perfect as a side dish at barbecues or picnics; its bright flavors complement grilled meats beautifully.

In a Wrap

Use the salad as a filling in wraps; add some turkey or ham for extra flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Creating the perfect summer peach spinach salad is about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your salad stands out.

Choose ripe peaches: Ensure your peaches are perfectly ripe for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
Fresh ingredients matter: Use organic spinach and fresh herbs to elevate the overall taste.
Toast almonds lightly: Toasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor and adds crunch—don’t skip this step!
Adjust dressing sweetness: Tailor the sweetness of your balsamic vinaigrette based on your personal preference; this can enhance the salad’s overall appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

This refreshing summer peach spinach salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn is an ideal complement that adds seasonal flair.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers offer a burst of flavor that pairs well with the salad.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds protein and balances the flavors of the peach spinach salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and richness to your meal without overpowering the freshness of the salad.
Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus served with pita chips and veggie sticks provides an excellent contrast in texture.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, sweet potato fries offer a delicious crunch that complements the softness of the salad ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common pitfalls when making the Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure a fresh and flavorful salad every time.

Overdressing the Salad: Using too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to taste.
Choosing Unripe Peaches: Selecting firm, unripe peaches can lead to a disappointing texture. Look for peaches that yield slightly to pressure and smell fragrant.
Skipping the Toasted Almonds: Not toasting the almonds misses out on their flavor and crunch. Always toast them until golden for the best results.
Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted spinach or old avocados can ruin your salad. Choose fresh, organic produce for a vibrant dish.
Ignoring the Balance of Flavors: Forgetting to adjust seasoning can leave your salad bland. Taste as you go; add salt, pepper, or a sweetener to enhance the flavors.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Keep dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Freezing is not recommended due to avocado and spinach’s texture changes.
If necessary, freeze components (like toasted almonds) separately.

Reheating Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread ingredients on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts (15-20 seconds) until warm.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like strawberries or nuts like walnuts for different flavors and textures.

How do I make a vegan version of this salad?

To make it vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.

What other dressings work well with this salad?

A lemon vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing pairs beautifully with the ingredients in this summer peach spinach salad.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add protein sources such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to turn it into a complete meal.

What is the best way to slice peaches for the salad?

Cut peaches into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces. This makes them easier to mix and eat in your summer peach spinach salad.

Final Thoughts

The Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese is not only delicious but also versatile. Its bright flavors make it perfect for summer meals or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Enjoy experimenting while creating your unique twist on this refreshing dish.

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