This colorful summer salad is packed with fresh peaches, juicy blueberries, and crunchy kale. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and savory that feels just like sunshine on a plate!
I love how easy it is to throw together. Just chop up the ingredients, toss them in a bowl, and you’ve got a tasty side dish or a light meal. Plus, it looks so pretty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kale: Kale is the star of this salad due to its hearty texture. You can use other greens like spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer something a bit softer.
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add sweetness. If they’re out of season, nectarines or canned peaches in juice make great substitutes.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are lovely, but frozen blueberries work too! Just let them thaw a bit before adding.
Cheese: Feta provides a salty bite, while goat cheese offers a creamier texture. Feel free to skip the cheese for a vegan version or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Nuts: Toasted almonds or pecans add crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent alternatives.
How Do You Make Kale Tender for Salad?
Massaging kale is a key technique here. It may sound odd, but it breaks down the tough fibers, making the leaves softer and tastier. Here’s how:
- After chopping the kale, place it in a bowl.
- Add a pinch of salt and use your hands to massage the leaves gently.
- Do this for about 2 minutes until the kale darkens and becomes tender.
This simple step enhances the flavor and makes your salad more pleasant to eat!
Refreshing Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or pecans
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes washing and chopping your ingredients, and then just mix it all together! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a vibrant side dish at dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kale:
Start by washing your kale thoroughly and drying it well. Remove the tough stems and chop the leafy parts into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to eat!
2. Massage the Kale:
Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over it, and then gently massage the kale with your hands for about 2 minutes. This softens the leaves and makes them tastier.
3. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add some color! Toss in the sliced peaches, fresh blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion if you’re using it. These fruits will add a lovely sweetness to the salad.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. This dressing is simple but adds a lot of flavor!
5. Combine Everything:
Drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss everything gently. You want to make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
6. Top with Cheese and Nuts:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese and the toasted almonds or pecans on top. This adds some nice creaminess and crunch to the salad.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing with the chopped fresh mint leaves. You can enjoy the salad right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
Enjoy this vibrant, refreshing salad that brings a perfect balance of sweet fruit, hearty greens, and tangy dressing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Greens Besides Kale?
Absolutely! While kale is delicious, you can substitute it with other greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or arugula. Just be mindful that softer greens might not need to be massaged.
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Peaches?
No worries! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use nectarines or even canned peaches packed in juice. Just make sure to drain them well before adding to the salad!
How Can I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad components in advance—wash and chop the greens and fruits. However, for the best flavor and texture, add the dressing just before serving. You can also chill the salad for about 20 minutes to enhance the flavor!
