Juicy Barefoot Contessa Peach Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Barefoot Contessa peach salad erupts with a kaleidoscope of summer sensations, weaving magic from everyday ingredients.

Luscious orbs of ripe peaches cavort with crisp companions, crafting a melodic blend of crunch and softness.

Zesty undertones pirouette through each forkful, whispering tales of sun-drenched orchards and lazy afternoon picnics.

Vibrant colors and nuanced flavors intertwine, creating a culinary canvas that delights the senses.

Seasonal produce performs a delectable dance, transforming humble elements into an extraordinary gastronomic experience.

Every bite promises a refreshing escape from mundane meals, capturing the essence of carefree summer moments.

You’ll want to savor this radiant dish that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable feast.

What’s Inside Barefoot Contessa Peach Salad

• White Wine Vinegar: Choose a crisp, high-quality vinegar with bright acidity for balanced flavor.
• Honey: Select raw, local honey for deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: Opt for smooth, tangy Dijon with robust whole-grain texture.
• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil with grassy, peppery undertones.

• Red Onion: Select firm, glossy onions with tight, papery skin for best crunch.
• Peaches: Choose ripe, fragrant peaches that yield gently when pressed.
• Fresh Basil: Look for vibrant green leaves without wilting or dark spots.
• Fresh Mint: Pick perky leaves with intense aromatic quality.

• Candied Walnuts, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Select premium, freshly roasted walnuts with caramelized edges; use coarse salt for balanced seasoning; grind pepper immediately before using for maximum flavor.

Equipment Checklist for Peach Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dressing and combining ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending vinegar, honey, and mustard smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing onions and cutting peaches into wedges.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add honey and mustard.
• Paper towels: Great for patting onions dry after soaking.
• Mixing spoon or tongs: Helps gently toss salad ingredients together.
• Ice water bowl: Used to mellow onion's sharp taste.

How to Assemble a Peach Salad Quickly

• Mellow the Red Onion

Slice the red onion into whisper-thin pieces. Submerge in icy water to soften its fierce flavor. Drain completely and blot dry with clean towels.

• Whip Up Vibrant Dressing

In a spacious bowl, blend tangy white wine vinegar with golden honey and zesty Dijon mustard. Stream in olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a silky smooth sauce that clings to every ingredient.

• Infuse and Enhance

Pour the prepared onion slices into the dressing, allowing them to soak up the lively flavors for a quick 5-minute marinade. This step transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

• Compose the Salad Symphony

Gently fold in ripe peach wedges, scatter crunchy candied walnuts, and sprinkle fragrant herbs. Tear fresh basil and mint leaves, letting them dance through the salad, adding bursts of garden-fresh brightness.

• Final Touch and Serve

Season with a graceful sprinkle of kosher salt and a generous twist of black pepper. Toss with a light touch, letting the ingredients mingle and marry their flavors. Let the salad rest briefly, then serve as a vibrant summer celebration on a plate.

Swaps and Tips for Peach Salad

• Mellow Onion Magic: Soak sliced red onions in ice water to soften their intense bite, creating a gentler, more delicate flavor profile.
• Customize Dressing Intensity: Adjust the vinegar-to-honey ratio for a tangier or sweeter result. More honey creates a smoother, rounder taste, while extra vinegar adds a sharp, bright kick.
• Swap Seasonal Fruits: Replace peaches with nectarines, plums, or grilled summer stone fruits when available. Each fruit brings its own unique sweetness and texture to the salad.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, crumbled goat cheese, or seared shrimp. These protein additions make the salad more substantial and satisfying.

Serve Peach Salad for Any Occasion

• Pair with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside succulent grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the salad's sweet and tangy flavors.
• Create Elegant Appetizer: Transform the salad into a stunning starter by arranging peach wedges artfully on a platter, drizzling with dressing, and garnishing with extra herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Enhance Summer Picnic Spread: Pack this bright salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or backyard barbecues as a refreshing and light accompaniment to other summer dishes.
• Add Creamy Cheese Option: Crumble fresh goat cheese or soft burrata over the top to introduce a rich, creamy element that complements the peaches and herbs beautifully.

Save Peach Salad Without Losing Freshness

• Preserve Perfection: Store salad components separately to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, preventing soggy ingredients and preserving crisp flavors.
• Revive Leftovers: Bring chilled salad to room temperature before serving, gently tossing to redistribute marinated onions and dressing.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop peaches, toast walnuts, and prepare dressing in advance, combining just before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and crunchy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Vibrant Barefoot Contessa Peach Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s peach salad brings summer freshness to your table with ripe peaches, creamy goat cheese, and peppery arugula. Crisp ingredients and tangy vinaigrette create perfect harmony you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 peaches (cut into wedges)
• ½ cup (75 g/2.65 oz) candied walnuts (chopped)
• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup (15 g/0.5 oz) fresh basil
• ¼ cup (15 g/0.5 oz) fresh mint
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) white wine vinegar
• 2 tsps (10 ml/0.33 fl oz) honey
• 2 tsps (10 ml/0.33 fl oz) Dijon mustard
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Onion Preparation: Slice red onion into thin, translucent strips and immerse in ice water for 10 minutes to soften its intense flavor. Drain and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Vinaigrette Creation: Combine white wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in extra virgin olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, glossy dressing.
3. Flavor Infusion: Introduce marinated onion slivers into the vinaigrette, allowing them to absorb the nuanced flavor profile. Add ripe peach wedges, toasted candied walnuts, and freshly torn basil and mint leaves.
4. Final Assembly: Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating. Season with sea salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Delicately fold the salad to distribute flavors and textures harmoniously, creating a vibrant and refreshing dish.

Notes

• Mellow Onion Technique: Soaking red onion in ice water for 10 minutes removes harsh bite, creating a sweeter, milder flavor profile perfect for delicate salads.
• Vinaigrette Emulsion Secret: Slowly stream olive oil while whisking continuously ensures a smooth, cohesive dressing without separation.
• Flavor Marination Tip: Let onions rest in vinaigrette before adding peaches to maximize absorption of tangy, sweet undertones.
• Herb and Texture Balance: Adding toasted candied walnuts and fresh herbs transforms a simple salad into a complex, multi-dimensional dish with contrasting crunch and aromatic layers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg