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This vibrant Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad celebrates the best summer produce in a nutritious bowl that balances sweet, tart, and savory flavors. The tender kale creates the perfect backdrop for juicy peaches and plump blueberries, while goat cheese adds creaminess and almonds provide that satisfying crunch.
I first created this salad during a particularly scorching July when even the thought of turning on the stove made me sweat. It became an instant hit at our family gatherings, with even my kale-skeptic nephew asking for seconds.
- Kale: The robust foundation that holds up well to the dressing and stays crisp even when prepared ahead
- Olive oil: Essential for massaging the kale which transforms it from tough to tender
- Peaches: Choose ones that yield slightly to pressure for perfect ripeness and sweetness
- Blueberries: Look for plump berries with a silvery bloom indicating freshness
- Sliced almonds: They add protein and a wonderful textural contrast to the soft fruits
- Goat cheese: The creamy tanginess balances the sweet fruit perfectly
- Red onion: Adds a sharp bite that cuts through the sweetness
- Honey lemon dressing: A bright simple blend that ties everything together without overpowering
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Massage the Kale:
- Place your chopped kale in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Using your fingertips press and squeeze the kale leaves for about two minutes until they darken in color and become silky smooth. This crucial step transforms the tough leaves into a tender base that readily absorbs the dressing flavors.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Combine olive oil lemon juice honey Dijon mustard salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth creamy consistency. The mustard helps bind the oil and lemon juice creating a perfectly balanced dressing that clings to every ingredient.
- Assemble the Components:
- Add your sliced peaches blueberries red onion and almonds to the massaged kale. The contrast of textures and flavors here creates something magical each forkful delivers different notes of sweet juicy crunchy and savory elements.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle your dressing over the salad and toss gently using two large spoons to ensure even coating without bruising the fruit. Sprinkle the goat cheese last allowing it to rest on top rather than getting lost in the mix. The visual appeal of the white cheese against the colorful base makes this Instagram worthy.
The peaches are truly the star of this dish. I wait all year for perfect summer peaches and this salad showcases them beautifully. My grandmother taught me to select peaches by smell rather than appearance the sweet fragrance signals ripeness that no visual cue can match.
Storage Tips
While best enjoyed fresh you can store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The kale holds up remarkably well unlike lettuce which would wilt. For meal prep keep all components separate adding the dressing fruits and cheese just before serving. The massaged kale alone stays fresh for up to three days making this perfect for planned leftovers.
Smart Substitutions
This salad welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. Nectarines or mangoes work beautifully in place of peaches. Swap blueberries for blackberries or raspberries when they look particularly tempting at the market. For a dairy free version replace goat cheese with avocado chunks which provide similar creaminess. In autumn try swapping summer fruits for sliced apples or pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon in the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal that feels both satisfying and light. For an elegant summer gathering pair it with chilled white wine and crusty bread. The salad also makes a wonderful potluck contribution as it holds up well at room temperature for a couple of hours and the colors look stunning on a buffet table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I massage kale for this salad?
Drizzle olive oil over chopped kale in a large bowl. Use your hands to gently rub the leaves for 1-2 minutes until they soften and darken.
- → Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, but store the ingredients separately to preserve freshness. Assemble and add the dressing just before serving.
- → What can I substitute for goat cheese?
Feta cheese is a great alternative for a saltier bite, or use a vegan cheese option to make it plant-based.
- → What protein can I add to make it a meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa are excellent choices to transform the salad into a complete meal.
- → How can I make this salad vegan?
Swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing and use a vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether for a vegan option.
- → What nuts can I use instead of almonds?
Pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds make great substitutes for sliced almonds, adding crunch and flavor to the salad.