Summer Peach Spinach Salad with Avocado (the perfect side dish!)
There are a very few simple recipes that I always come back to when I’m looking for a side dish to pair with dinner, and this peach spinach salad might just be my favorite.
I’ve always loved buying a big box of organic spinach every week to get more greens into our meals, and usually, I pack it in all of my smoothies, throw it in quiches, and of course, make big salads like this one.
I know many people aren’t into fruit on salads, but I’m begging you to give this recipe a chance! Tony even eats it for lunch alongside some sort of sandwich I make him, so you know it’s a hit. This gorgeous peach salad is just so refreshing and truly delicious. You’re going to fall in love!
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Everything you’ll need to make this peach spinach salad
This peach salad is one of those salad recipes that almost seems too easy to be good, but trust me when I say the combo is out-of-this-world delicious and oh so fresh. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Fruits & veggies: you’ll need spinach and peaches (of course), plus some red onion and avocado.
- Mix-ins: we’re adding crumbled goat cheese for a creamy tanginess, plus sliced toasted almonds for crunch. YUM.
- For the dressing: this easy balsamic is made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, dijon mustard, salt & pepper. Feel free to add a little sugar, maple syrup, or honey if you prefer your dressing a little sweeter.
Easy ingredient substitutions
What I love about this salad is that it’s completely versatile, so depending on what’s on sale and available in the grocery store, you can make super easy swaps. Here’s what I recommend:
- For the spinach: I think arugula would also be delicious, and would add a zippy twist to this salad!
- For the peaches: yes, you can swap out the peaches for strawberries or blueberries if you’d like! Or simply try my Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado
- For the cheese: I love the tangy flavor of goat cheese, but feel free to use crumbled feta if you like more of a salty kick.
- For the almonds: I think roasted pistachios, pine nuts, or even sunflower seeds would be delicious.
Try a creamier dressing
The balsamic vinaigrette pairs perfectly well with this peach salad, but if you’re looking for something a little creamier, I suggest my Tahini Poppy Seed Dressing!
How to toast almonds
You can easily toast your own almonds right at home, and there are two ways to do it: on the stovetop or in the oven!
- Stovetop method: Add sliced almonds to a skillet and place over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 2-5 minutes until almonds are slightly golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool before adding them to the salad.
- Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place sliced almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, stirring once halfway through baking. Watch carefully so that the nuts do not burn!
Add a boost of protein
Looking to make this salad more of a main meal? Feel free to add your fav protein like:
Main dishes to pair with this peach salad
This fresh peach salad makes the perfect side dish with any of your fav summer main dishes! Here are some of our favs:
Get all of my summer BBQ recipes here!
How to store this peach salad
Store this peach spinach salad in an airtight container in the fridge, without the dressing, for up to 4-5 days. Simply dress the salad as soon as you’re ready to eat it so that the spinach doesn’t get soggy. The dressing will stay good in a container in the fridge for up to one week.
More salad recipes you’ll love
Get all of my salad recipes here!
I hope you love this beautiful summer peach spinach salad! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
The
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Summer Peach Spinach Salad
by
One of my favorite go-to summer salads is this fresh peach spinach salad with creamy goat cheese, heart-healthy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds. Drizzle this lovely peach salad with an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette for the perfect lunch!
Ingredients
- 4-6 cups organic spinach
- 2 large peaches, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ½ cup goat cheese crumbles (or sub feta)
- ½ cup sliced toasted almonds*
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoon sugar, pure maple syrup or honey to sweeten dressing
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dijon and salt and pepper. Add a sweetener here if you’d like here too. I always prefer to!
-
In a large bowl, add the spinach. Drizzle with desired about of balsamic vinaigrette and toss together to combine. Top salad with peach slices, diced/sliced avocado, red onion, goat cheese crumbles and toasted almonds. Toss very gently again. Serve immediately. Salad serves 4.
Recipe Notes
See the full post for easy ways to customize, plus storing instructions!
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 292calCarbohydrates: 19.1gProtein: 7.4gFat: 22.9gSaturated Fat: 4.4gFiber: 6.8gSugar: 8.2g
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on August 9th, 2018, republished on July 24th, 2022, and republished with new photos on June 23rd, 2026.
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