Lindsey Chastain

Lindsey Chastain is 1/2 of the husband and wife team that make The Waddle and Cluck run. She is also the founder of The Writing Detective and A Pen and a Page.

The Waddle and Cluck is an Amazon Associate. We earn a commission for qualifying purchases.

Buy Our Eggs

Enjoy Free Shipping On Orders Over $75 with Farm Hound

Goodbye Rusty Lids, Hello reCAP Mason Jar Lids

Peach Caprese Salad

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, simple, and delicious meals. With an abundance of ripe produce available, creating a light and refreshing dish can be easy and satisfying. One of my favorite summer salads is the Peach Caprese Salad. It’s a twist on the classic Caprese salad, replacing tomatoes with juicy peaches, which adds a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Why Peach Caprese Salad?

The Peach Caprese Salad is a great dish for several reasons. It’s quick to prepare, requires no cooking, and makes the most of summer’s fresh peaches. The combination of peaches, mozzarella, and basil creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. Plus, it’s visually appealing, making it perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a special treat at home.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Peach Caprese Salad:

4 ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are firm but give slightly when pressed. They should be ripe and juicy but not overly soft.
8 oz fresh mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture that complements the peaches well. You can find it in most grocery stores, usually in the cheese section.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Adding cherry tomatoes brings a burst of acidity that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
Fresh basil leaves: Basil adds a fragrant, herbal note that ties the salad together.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze: Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish to the salad.
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning with salt and pepper brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the peaches, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice the peaches into wedges, cut the mozzarella into slices, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Arrange the Salad: On a large platter, arrange the peach slices, mozzarella slices, and cherry tomato halves. You can layer them in a pattern or place them randomly for a more rustic look. Tuck the basil leaves among the peaches, mozzarella, and tomatoes.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Make sure to distribute the oil and glaze evenly over the salad.
Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad to taste. A light seasoning is usually enough, but you can adjust it to your preference.
Serve: The Peach Caprese Salad is best served immediately. Enjoy it as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course.

Tips for the Perfect Peach Caprese Salad

Choose the Right Peaches: The quality of the peaches can make a big difference in the salad. Look for peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid peaches that are too hard or too mushy.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is key to achieving the right texture and flavor. If possible, buy mozzarella that is packed in water for the best quality.
Adjust the Basil: If you love basil, feel free to add more leaves. If you find the flavor too strong, you can use less or even substitute with a different herb like mint for a unique twist.
Make Your Own Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, you can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar. Simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Fresh mozzarella cheese in bowl . Peach Caprese Salad

Variations and Additions

While the Peach Caprese Salad is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your tastes:

Add Prosciutto: For a salty, savory addition, try adding thin slices of prosciutto. It pairs wonderfully with the sweet peaches and creamy mozzarella.
Try Different Fruits: If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute with other fruits like nectarines or plums. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the salad.
Include Greens: Adding a bed of arugula or mixed greens can turn this salad into a more substantial meal. The peppery flavor of arugula complements the sweetness of the peaches.
Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like burrata or goat cheese for a different texture and flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

The Peach Caprese Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes and beverages. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

Grilled Meats: Serve the salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork for a light and balanced meal.
Seafood: Pairing the salad with grilled or roasted fish can create a refreshing and healthy dinner.
Light Wines: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements the flavors of the salad without overpowering them.
Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

Health Benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, and they provide fiber. Fresh mozzarella offers calcium and protein. Basil is rich in vitamins K and A, and tomatoes add additional vitamins and antioxidants. Using extra-virgin olive oil adds healthy fats to your diet, which are beneficial for heart health.

Seasonal Eating

Eating seasonally means enjoying produce at its peak freshness and flavor. Summer is the best time to enjoy ripe, juicy peaches. When peaches are in season, they are more flavorful and often more affordable. Seasonal eating also supports local farmers and can reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the need for long-distance transportation of food.

Conclusion

The Peach Caprese Salad is a simple, yet elegant dish that celebrates the flavors of summer. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a salad that is both visually stunning and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish for a summer barbecue, this salad is a perfect choice.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite. It’s a delightful way to make the most of the season’s bounty and impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Happy cooking!