Summer Harvest Salad with Peaches, Basil, and Goat Cheese
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful salad that combines the sweetness of fresh peaches, the aromatic fragrance of basil, and the creamy richness of chevre. Tossed with a light and tangy champagne vinaigrette, this salad is not only visually stunning but also a feast for the taste buds, making it the perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering or a refreshing meal on its own.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
shallot
1 (sliced)
garlic clove
1 (sliced)
champagne vinegar
3 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon
honey
1/2 teaspoon
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
olive oil
1/4 cup
canola oil
1/4 cup
mixed greens
8 cups
peaches
3 (sliced)
basil sprigs
1/2 bunch
pine nuts
1/4 cup (toasted)
chevre cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the sliced shallot, garlic, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2
While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and canola oil mixture until the dressing is well-emulsified.
3
In a large salad bowl, assemble the mixed greens, sliced peaches, fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled chevre cheese.
4
Gently toss the salad ingredients to combine.
5
Drizzle the desired amount of champagne vinaigrette over the salad and toss again just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Summer Harvest Salad with Peaches, Basil, and Goat Cheese?
It is a vibrant summer salad featuring fresh peaches, aromatic basil, and creamy goat cheese (chevre), topped with a homemade champagne vinaigrette.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing consists of shallot, garlic, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, olive oil, and canola oil.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Can I substitute the peaches with another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute peaches with nectarines, apricots, or even plums for a similar stone-fruit flavor profile.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Is the recipe vegan?
No, it contains goat cheese (chevre) and honey. To make it vegan, replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and the honey with maple syrup.
What kind of cheese is chevre?
Chevre is a soft, creamy cheese made from goat's milk.
What type of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
The recipe calls for champagne vinegar, which provides a light and tangy flavor.
Can I use a substitute for champagne vinegar?
If you don't have champagne vinegar, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
Place them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant.
What kind of greens should I use?
The recipe recommends 8 cups of mixed greens, such as spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach.
Can I use only olive oil for the dressing?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of olive oil instead of the mixture of olive and canola oil for a richer flavor.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
Slowly drizzle the oil into the blender while it is running with the other ingredients to create a smooth, thick consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Always check the label on your Dijon mustard to be sure.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Certainly! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make excellent additions to this salad.
What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the dressing?
Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar stay mixed together while adding a bit of tang.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for its aromatic fragrance, but if you must use dried, use much less as it is more concentrated.
Should the peaches be peeled?
Peeling is not necessary and the skin adds beautiful color, but you can peel them if you prefer a softer texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator. Once dressed, the salad will wilt quickly.
Can I use a different nut if I don't have pine nuts?
Yes, toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds are great alternatives.
Is the shallot raw in the dressing?
Yes, the shallot is blended raw into the vinaigrette to provide a sharp, savory depth.
Can I use frozen peaches?
Fresh peaches are best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the salad.
What makes this salad a 'summer harvest' dish?
It uses seasonal peak-summer ingredients like fresh peaches and garden-grown basil.
How do I prepare the basil?
You can tear the leaves by hand or chiffonade them (cut into thin ribbons) for a more refined look.
Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?
Yes, maple syrup is a great 1:1 substitute for honey in this dressing.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Salad Dressings, though it is a complete salad assembly.
Can I use feta instead of chevre?
Yes, feta cheese provides a similar saltiness, though it is crumbly and less creamy than chevre.
Is the dressing spicy?
No, the dressing is tangy and slightly sweet with a hint of garlic and shallot, but not spicy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed for this salad and its dressing.
When should I apply the dressing?
It is best to drizzle the vinaigrette and toss the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.