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: steamed olive oil and sea salt broccoli with a little melted cheddar cheese, cabbage carrot and goat cheese spinach salads with olive oil, lemon juice and S&P, roasted sesame asparagus and of course, this peach spinach salad.
Today I decided that it was time to re-share one of my go-to summer salads from over 4 years ago. 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 (at least 1 cup per smoothie), throw it in pasta or quiches, and of course, make big salads like this one to go with dinners.
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. It’s packed with peaches, avocado, toasted almonds, goat cheese, red onion and a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette. 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 added 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, salt & pepper. Feel free to add a little sugar, maple syrup or honey if you prefer your dressing a little sweeter.
Easy ingredient swaps
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 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 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!
Add a boost of protein
Looking to make this salad more of a main meal? Feel free to add your fav protein like:
- 1 cup of chickpeas or cooked quinoa to keep it vegetarian
- Grilled chicken (use the balsamic vinaigrette as a marinade!)
- Grilled salmon — I recommend this firecracker salmon that has a peach salsa!
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:
- Baked or Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
- Grilled Tahini Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
- Ultimate Vegan Black Bean Burgers with Creamy Tahini Garlic Sauce
- Honey Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Greek Chicken Kabobs
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
- Peach Brussels Sprouts Crunch Salad with Creamy Tahini Poppy Seed Dressing
- Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto & Goat Cheese
- Herby Olive Italian Orzo Salad
- Grilled Carrot Arugula Salad with Fig, Goat Cheese & Avocado
- Peach, Tomato & Corn Arugula Pasta Salad
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!
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 with Avocado, Toasted Almonds + Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 4-6 cups organic spinach
- 2 large peaches, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese crumbles (or sub feta)
- 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds*
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 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
Nutrition
This post was originally published on August 9th, 2018, and republished on July 24th, 2022.
86 comments
That looks great! I’m going to give it a try, minus the cheese.
I make a very similar salad with the addition of some fresh basil to your recipe -and sometimes use pecans instead of almonds. (It’s the southerner in me 😉
Peaches make for a great, sweet addition to summer salads! This looks so refreshing!
Peaches make for a great, sweet addition to summer salads! This looks so refreshing!
Absolutely! Nothing better 🙂
Has anyone subbed the almonds for pistachios? For some reason that is calling my name. I wonder if it worked well?
Has anyone subbed the almonds for pistachios? For some reason that is calling my name. I wonder if it worked well?
I think pistachios would be great in here!
I was thinking that too. great minds think alike
I just made a salad much like this one over the weekend using strawberries and it was SO GOOD. Next week I am going peach picking and I will have to try this one out! It looks great!
Strawberries are amazing! And peach picking? So jealous! Perfect timing for making this one too 🙂
Sad to say, it’s been far too long since I’ve made salads at home to bring to work. I’m thinking I should meal prep a couple of these with some chicken for lunches next week! YUM 🙂
This one is perfect for using up summer produce! It would be delicious with chicken too 🙂
Sad to say, it’s been far too long since I’ve made salads at home to bring to work. I’m thinking I should meal prep a couple of these with some chicken for lunches next week! YUM 🙂
This one is perfect for using up summer produce! It would be delicious with chicken too 🙂
This is my lunch box today! too funny! I prepared the exact same salad for today’s lunch in the office! I love peaches on salads, they tasta amazing!
No way! Great minds think alike 🙂 love peaches, too!
This is my lunch box today! too funny! I prepared the exact same salad for today’s lunch in the office! I love peaches on salads, they tasta amazing!
No way! Great minds think alike 🙂 love peaches, too!
Try pairing with Chardonnay, Gruener Veltliner, and Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc and Gruner Veltliner both have herby notes that complement salads with enough acid to match tart vinaigrettes, while a Chardonnay can be a good pick for creamy salad dressings.
That sounds amazing!!
Try pairing with Chardonnay, Gruener Veltliner, and Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc and Gruner Veltliner both have herby notes that complement salads with enough acid to match tart vinaigrettes, while a Chardonnay can be a good pick for creamy salad dressings.
That sounds amazing!!
I made this today and it is delicious!!!
Amazing!! Happy to hear that.
I made this tonight and we loved it! And that was without the avocado. I love fruit in salads! Great idea!!
Perfect! So glad you guys enjoyed 🙂
Love it! Had it for lunch Thursday, Friday & today. Yum!
Perfect! So happy to hear that 🙂
Made this for dinner last night (and packaged extra for lunches). So good! Topped with a simple sous vide chicken breast and subbed pistachios for almonds. Will make again!!
That sounds perfect! Love the idea of pistachios too 🙂
Peaches are fantastic now! I can’t wait to try this tomorrow!
Love them so much! Enjoy Pat 🙂
Perfect for summer!
I make this every peach season and it is SO delicious. Another hit, Monique!!
So happy to hear that, Megan!
hi, I haven’t made the spinach salad yet, but I’ll make it for dinner today. I’ll have to substitute nectarines, white onions, feta cheese for recipe ingredients. I’m toasting almonds for the 1st time; if this fails I’ll substitute pecans.😏 Thanks. I can’t wait, seems delicious. Bye
Those are great subs, hope you enjoy the salad! 🙂
MY FAVE SALAD! Make this every summer
So glad you’re a fan!!
Made this for Father’s Day. So easy and delicious! Will be on repeat for an easy summer salad.
Oh yay, so happy you loved this one, Lisa! 🙂
In the summer season I literally make this salad every week, it is the best!
Love that!! Fresh summer peaches are so incredible, right?!
Delicious, refreshing and my husband even loved it!
So happy you guys loved this one, Courtney! 🙂
I wasn’t sure about this salad but glad I tried it. I’ve had it everyday for 2 weeks. I love it!!! This will be my cookout staple for the rest of the summer. Thanks so much for sharing. 😊
So happy it won you over! Can’t wait for you to make it again and again 🙂
I just wanted to let you know that I have made SO MANY of your recipes and you have 100% of the time been delighted with the results! Thank you for continuing to share your delicious recipes with all of us- you’re the best!!
Aw that is so amazing, I’m SO thrilled to hear you’re loving them, Gen!! ❤️
This is the perfect summer salad. My new go to; I love it!
Me too–so perfect for summer! Glad you love it, too 🙂
I definately gonna give it a try , Thanks for sharing this information with us .
I think pistachios would be much better there .
Feel free to swap them!
brought this to a friend’s for dinner and it was such a hit! perfect summer salad
Nice!! So glad that everyone loved it 🙂
Make this now, favorite salad! Loved this salad so much, so great for summertime, I paired with steak and it was perfect! Will be making this on repeat!
Oooh that sounds like the perfect summer meal! Happy you loved it, Kendra 🙂
Brought this to a dinner party at the pool – took about 5 minutes to prepare, and it literally stole the show. Everyone was raving about it! Thanks for making me look so good :).
Hahaha love to hear that!! Yay! Glad everyone enjoyed it 🙂
This salad is delicious! I used a spring mix with 50% spinach and everyone loved it! I’ve made it several times in the past 2 weeks to make the most of the fresh peaches this time of year! Thank you for a hearty, yummy salad!!
So happy to hear that everyone loved it! And yes, we need to take advantage of peach season before it’s over haha! 🙂
Just made the vinaigrette for this salad, will try the salad for my lunch tomorrow, Looking forward t dressing my salad with this, thanks for this super easy lunch.
This salad is AMAZING!!! I used White Balsamic and the Trader Joes Honey Goat Cheese! YUM!!!
I am curious how the carb count is so high on it.
Oooh I LOVE that honey goat cheese! Happy you enjoyed it! And the carbs are from the peaches + veggies 🙂 Lots of it is fiber, though!
Excellent salad and so easy! Will add to my rotation. Can’t wait to make it for guests!
So happy to hear that!
Such a beautiful salad, and the peaches in it are so juicy and sweet. Peaches, avocado, toasted almonds, goat cheese, red onion, driving directions and a basic balsamic vinaigrette are just few of the ingredients in this salad. You will definitely find love!
Amazing! This was a hit at dinner.
Our grocery store unfortunately didn’t have fresh peaches, so I substituted honey crisp apples and it was still delicious.
Thanks again, Monique!
Summer peach & spinach salad was wonderful. Love the balsamic vingarette. And it really as easy as you said!!
Yay! Glad you’re loving this salad, Katherine!
This was super refreshing and delicious. I used honey for the dressing as the sugar option. I also used feta dice I’m not a goat cheese fan. I only had nectarines which I substituted for the peaches. Still so very good!
Yum! Love this so much, Julie. Glad you were able to adjust this recipe so easily and you enjoyed it!
This was delicious! Thank you for sharing! It is such a delightful way to use summer peaches. I added chicken to mine for extra protein and flavor.
My favirite salad – made it so many times. Had pears but no peaches and was delicious. Maybe I’ll try apples in the fall
YUM! Glad youre loving this recipe, Lori. Apples would also be a delicious addition.
This salad is so good! I love the peach and avocado combination.
Amazing! I am so glad you loved this combo and it turned out great for you!
I make this over and over all summer. My peaches were not ripe yet, so I used cherry tomatoes. Everyone always asks about the dressing – it’s so easy and so delicious. My favorite summer salad. I have even made in the winter with apples instead of peaches. Thank you, Monique.
Love that!!
Yum this salad is delicious! The balance of sweet from the peaches and saltiness from the cheese is amazing. I think it might be my new go to summer salad 😋
This was really good! Will definitely make it again. Didn’t add maple syrup or extra salt but did add canned chickpeas, loved it, perfect refreshing meal for this heat wave.
Perfect! This one’s great for customizing 🙂
Loved this Salad. You’re missing out if you haven’t made it yet. Took it to a small group dinner, and everyone raved about it.
One of my favs, too! So happy it was a hit 🙂