Blueberry Peach Feta Salad

This blueberry peach feta salad brings together sweet summer fruit, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty homemade dressing. Every bite is refreshing and satisfying—the kind of salad I crave for lunches on hot days or to brighten up a picnic.

Every summer my friend brings a version of this salad to our potlucks—her trick is to double the dressing so everyone can sneak second helpings.

Ingredients

• Fresh blueberries: for pops of color and juicy sweetness look for plump firm ones
• Ripe peaches: deliver summery flavor and natural sweetness go for ones that yield slightly with a gentle press
• Crumbled feta cheese: adds a creamy salty contrast choose a block and crumble it yourself for extra freshness
• Mixed greens: provide a crisp backdrop think arugula baby spinach or spring mix
• Chopped red onion: gives gentle sharpness select a small red onion that feels heavy for its size
• Chopped walnuts: offer a toasty crunch look for walnut halves without an oily smell
• Honey: rounds out the dressing with delicate sweetness opt for local honey if you can
• Balsamic vinegar: brings tangy depth pick a good quality aged balsamic for richer flavor
• Olive oil: ties the dressing components together select extra virgin for best results
• Black pepper and salt: essential for seasoning and bringing out flavor use freshly cracked black pepper if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse and Dry Blueberries:

Gently rinse blueberries under cold water and remove any debris. Pat them completely dry with a soft towel to avoid a soggy salad.

Slice Peaches:

Wash peaches well and slice into wedges or thin slices. Choose slices that are not too thick so they blend well with the other salad elements.

Combine Fruit and Feta:

Add the dry blueberries and freshly sliced peaches to a large bowl. Crumble feta cheese over top for a salty creamy touch.

Add Greens and Onion:

Wash and thoroughly dry greens so the dressing will stick better. Add greens to the bowl along with finely chopped red onion.

Add Walnuts:

Roughly chop walnuts for more even texture. Scatter the walnuts over salad for crunch and a nutty finish.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl whisk together honey balsamic vinegar olive oil black pepper and salt until smooth and slightly thickened.

Dress the Salad:

Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Make sure each bite gets a bit of the sweet and tangy mixture.

Toss Gently:

Toss the salad carefully with salad tongs so fruit and greens stay whole but the dressing is well distributed.

Taste and Adjust:

Taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. This is your chance to boost flavor or balance the sweetness.

Serve Immediately or Chill:

Serve right away for freshest texture. Alternatively cover and chill for up to an hour if you want it slightly cold.

Save

Feta cheese in this salad is my favorite part because of its creamy tanginess and salty bite. One vivid memory I have is my kids fishing out the feta chunks before any other ingredient which always makes me smile and reminds me to crumble in a generous amount.

Storage Tips

This salad is best served fresh but you can keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. Store the dressing separately if you know you will not finish it in one sitting so the greens stay vibrant and avoid wilting.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap peaches for nectarines or strawberries when peaches are out of season. If you need to skip nuts use toasted seeds like pumpkin for crunch. Goat cheese works just as well for a milder flavor than feta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light lunch or as a beautiful side for grilled chicken fish or burgers at summer cookouts. For a heartier meal add grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken before tossing. A slice of crusty bread on the side makes it complete.

On Summer Traditions

Blueberry peach feta salad has become a symbol of late summer in my family. We always make it at the first appearance of ripe peaches at the farmers market and I love the burst of color it brings to our table. It is a nod to sun kissed afternoons and the fleeting sweetness of the season.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Fresh blueberries provide the best texture, but frozen can be used if thawed and well-drained before adding.

→ What greens work best for this salad?

Mixed greens are ideal, but arugula, baby spinach, or butter lettuce also complement the flavors wonderfully.

→ How can I make this salad nut-free?

Simply omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch.

→ Is there a feta substitute for a milder flavor?

Crumbled goat cheese is a great alternative, providing a creamy texture with a subtler taste.

→ How far in advance can I prep the salad?

Prep ingredients ahead, but combine and dress just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.

→ Which dressing pairs well with the salad?

The honey-balsamic vinaigrette in this salad brings out both the sweetness of the fruit and the tang of the cheese.