Description
This White Peach Raspberry Almond Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring a mix of tender baby greens, juicy white peaches, tart raspberries, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy candied almonds. Topped with a sweet olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, this salad balances sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, making it perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 6-10 cups Baby Spring Mix or Romaine Hearts, chopped
- 2 White Peaches or Nectarines, sliced
- 6 ounces Raspberries
- 1 cup Feta Cheese or White Cheddar Cheese
- 3/4 cup Sliced Almonds
- 3 Tablespoons Sugar
Sweet Dressing:
- 3/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 3-4 Tablespoons Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Assemble Greens and Fruit: Place the baby spring mix or chopped romaine hearts on a large platter or in a serving bowl. Top evenly with sliced white peaches or nectarines, fresh raspberries, and crumbled feta or white cheddar cheese to create the flavorful base of the salad.
- Candy the Almonds: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sliced almonds and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Stir frequently as the sugar begins to melt, ensuring the almonds become evenly coated without burning. Once the almonds are encased in a glossy sugar coating, promptly remove from the heat and spread them onto wax or parchment paper to cool and harden into candied almonds.
- Add Candied Almonds: After the almonds have cooled, sprinkle them generously over the assembled salad to add a sweet crunch and texture contrast.
- Prepare the Sweet Dressing: In a small bowl or a shaker bottle, whisk or shake together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, 3 to 4 tablespoons of sugar (adjust sweetness to taste), and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Drizzle the chilled sweet dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain crispness and enhance the salad’s sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm white peaches or nectarines for the best texture and sweetness.
- Adjust the sugar in the dressing according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- The candied almonds can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a nut-free option, omit the almonds and consider adding toasted seeds instead.
- Feta cheese adds a nice saltiness but can be swapped with white cheddar for a milder taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
