This Blueberry Peach Feta Salad brings together a stunning medley of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs for a refreshing summer experience. Sweet peaches and blueberries combine with crisp cucumbers and aromatic basil, then are tossed in a lemon-basil vinaigrette that brings the whole dish to life. Topped with crumbled feta, this salad is not only bursting with flavor but also provides a nutrient-rich and hydrating side or light main course that’s perfect for warm days. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a weekday lunch, or looking for something different to serve alongside dinner, this salad adds brightness and balance to your table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 pint fresh blueberries
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2 ripe peaches, diced
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2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon finely chopped basil
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the blueberries, diced peaches, sliced cucumbers, and chopped basil.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
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Pour the vinaigrette over the fruit and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give the salad one final gentle toss.
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Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Nutrients
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High in antioxidants from blueberries and peaches
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Excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A
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Provides healthy fats from olive oil
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Contains protein and calcium from feta cheese
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Low in sugar and calories
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Offers hydrating and fiber-rich ingredients
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is not your typical fruit salad—it’s a refined dish that hits every note: sweet, tangy, salty, and herbaceous. Its uniqueness lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. The soft, juicy fruits create a pleasing base, while the cucumbers add crisp freshness and the feta contributes creamy saltiness. What truly sets this salad apart is the lemon-basil vinaigrette. It’s light but flavorful and ties everything together with a clean, citrusy brightness that balances both fruit and feta beautifully.
In many traditional salads, fruit takes a backseat or is paired with leafy greens. This recipe dares to skip the greens and lets the fruit shine. The result is a colorful, vibrant salad that looks as delightful as it tastes. It can be served as a side, a starter, or even a light main dish. Moreover, it’s quick to assemble and made entirely with fresh ingredients, most of which are abundant in summer. This makes it ideal for entertaining, picnics, or meal prep.
The Benefits of the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this salad contributes something special not just in flavor, but in nutrition and health benefits.
Blueberries are often called a superfood due to their high concentration of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help reduce oxidative stress and support heart and brain health. They’re also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
Peaches provide natural sweetness and are rich in vitamins A and C, essential for skin health, immune support, and vision. Their high water content also makes them hydrating and perfect for hot summer days.
Persian cucumbers are mild, seedless, and thin-skinned, offering crunch without bitterness. They are low in calories but rich in hydration and fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.
Basil is more than a fragrant herb. It’s known for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and its unique flavor gives the salad an herbal depth that elevates it beyond standard fare.
The lemon juice adds brightness and vitamin C, helping to preserve the fruit’s color and freshness while balancing the salad’s sweet and savory elements.
Honey acts as a natural sweetener, offering antioxidants and helping to round out the acidity of the lemon and mustard.
Dijon mustard gives the vinaigrette body and a touch of heat, enhancing the savory notes and acting as an emulsifier so the dressing blends smoothly.
Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat, loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols that support cardiovascular health.
Feta cheese, while tangy and salty, is lower in fat than many cheeses and contains beneficial probiotics, calcium, and protein. It adds richness to the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
Together, these ingredients create a well-rounded dish that nourishes as it delights.
Cooking Tips
To make the most of this recipe, start with the freshest ingredients possible. Choose peaches that are ripe but firm—overripe peaches will be too soft and may become mushy in the salad. Look for Persian cucumbers if possible; their small size and tender skin make them ideal. If using standard cucumbers, consider removing some of the seeds to avoid excess water.
When preparing the vinaigrette, take the time to emulsify it properly by whisking slowly as you add the olive oil. This ensures a creamy, well-integrated dressing that clings to the fruit and vegetables without separating.
Be careful when tossing the salad to avoid breaking up the fruit too much. A light hand will preserve the integrity of the ingredients and ensure a beautiful presentation. For best flavor, serve the salad immediately after preparing. If you need to make it ahead, keep the vinaigrette separate and mix everything just before serving.
Chilling the fruit and cucumbers before assembling the salad enhances the crisp, refreshing quality of the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. It works as a starter for grilled meats such as chicken, pork chops, or salmon. It’s also a great accompaniment to barbecue fare or roasted vegetables.
For a heartier meal, you can add grilled shrimp or chickpeas, or serve the salad over a bed of quinoa or arugula. Toasted almonds or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a boost of protein.
Serve in individual bowls for casual lunches or spoon into martini glasses for an elegant appetizer at dinner parties. If preparing for a picnic or potluck, pack the fruit mixture and dressing separately to maintain freshness until ready to serve.
You can even transform it into a savory dessert course by reducing the honey in the dressing and adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Conclusion
The Blueberry Peach Feta Salad is the embodiment of summer: colorful, fresh, and bursting with flavor. With every bite, you experience a perfect blend of sweet fruit, savory cheese, and zesty herbs, all balanced by a light, lemony vinaigrette. Not only is it visually stunning and delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle.
Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into many meals, whether you’re looking for a light lunch, an eye-catching side, or a flavorful starter. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, requiring no cooking and minimal prep. This salad captures the best of seasonal produce and elevates it into a dish that feels both special and effortless.
Perfect for summer entertaining or everyday enjoyment, this salad is sure to become a go-to recipe you’ll crave again and again.