Peach Caprese Salad

Name: Peach Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 medium ripe peaches; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 8 ounces mozzarella pearls; 2-4 ounces prosciutto; 12 basil leaves; Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

July 12, 2025

Updated:

July 12, 2025

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Peach Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese, combining juicy peaches with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. This vibrant dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side alongside grilled meats. With its sweet and savory flavor profile, Peach Caprese Salad stands out as an elegant yet easy-to-make option that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: This salad uses seasonal peaches and high-quality mozzarella for a burst of flavor.
Quick Preparation: It takes just a few minutes to whip up, making it ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal on its own.
Healthy Delight: Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this salad fits well into any healthy eating plan.
Stunning Presentation: The colorful layers create an eye-catching dish that impresses guests.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful Peach Caprese Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Large platter
Measuring spoons
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss ingredients easily without making a mess.
Large platter: Presenting your salad on a platter enhances its visual appeal for gatherings.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts through the peaches and mozzarella for even slices.

Ingredients

For the Salad

4 medium peaches, sliced thin, about 16 slices per peach
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
8 ounces spring mix, roughly chopped or torn bite-size
4 ounces mozzarella pearls, ciliegine, bocconcini – halved as needed
2-4 ounces prosciutto, torn bite-size
12 basil leaves, sliced very thin or torn
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Peach Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

Place the sliced peaches in a mixing bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

On a large platter or in the same mixing bowl, layer the spring mix first.
Next, add the tossed peaches over the greens.
Scatter the mozzarella pearls on top of the peaches.
Add the torn prosciutto pieces across the salad.
Finish by adding thinly sliced basil leaves over everything.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Enjoy this refreshing Peach Caprese Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Peach Caprese Salad

Peach Caprese Salad is a refreshing dish that shines during summer gatherings. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an excellent choice for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

Serve small portions as a starter to whet the appetite before the main course.

With Grilled Meat

Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a delightful contrast of flavors.

At a Picnic

Pack the salad in a portable container for a light and satisfying meal outdoors.

On a Buffet Table

Present it on a large platter, allowing guests to serve themselves at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Peach Caprese Salad

Creating the perfect Peach Caprese Salad requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your salad is both delicious and visually appealing.

Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are slightly soft but not overly mushy for the best flavor.
Use fresh mozzarella: Opt for high-quality mozzarella pearls for creamy texture and taste.
Add more basil: For an aromatic touch, feel free to add extra basil leaves according to your preference.
Drizzle generously: Don’t be shy with the balsamic glaze; it adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Season well: Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, enhancing all the flavors in your salad.
Serve chilled: Refrigerate before serving for a refreshing burst of flavor on hot days.

Best Side Dishes for Peach Caprese Salad

Peach Caprese Salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to complement this vibrant salad.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds crunch and sweetness, perfect for summer meals.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies provides a healthy grain option alongside.
Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread can be a fantastic addition, balancing the freshness of the salad.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables will add depth and heartiness to your meal.
Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter enhances the fruity notes of the salad while adding variety.
Pasta Primavera: Lightly dressed pasta with fresh vegetables complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
Antipasto Skewers: These skewers bring together cheese, olives, and meats for an easy-to-eat side that pairs nicely.
Chilled Cucumber Soup: Refreshing and cool, this soup provides a lovely contrast in temperature and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a delicious Peach Caprese Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the lemon juice: Not adding lemon juice can lead to overly sweet flavors. Always drizzle fresh lemon juice on the peaches for balance.
Using unripe peaches: Unripe peaches will be hard and lack flavor. Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best taste in your salad.
Overdressing the salad: Too much balsamic glaze or olive oil can overpower other ingredients. Use just enough to enhance flavors without drowning them.
Neglecting seasonings: Forgetting salt and pepper can make your salad bland. Always season your ingredients to bring out their natural flavors.
Not layering properly: Tossing all ingredients together may lead to uneven distribution of flavors. Layer your salad for an appealing presentation and balanced bites.

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Peach Caprese Salad in an airtight container.
It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Keep the balsamic glaze separate until serving to maintain freshness.

Freezing Peach Caprese Salad

Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to texture changes in the ingredients.
If necessary, you can freeze components like prosciutto or mozzarella separately, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Peach Caprese Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat any leftover components separately if desired, as salads are best served cold.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on low power for short intervals, but avoid heating leafy greens and tomatoes directly.
Stovetop: Gently warm components like mozzarella over low heat while being cautious not to overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Peach Caprese Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare most components ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.

What variations can I try with Peach Caprese Salad?

Feel free to customize by adding nuts like walnuts or almonds, different cheeses such as feta or goat cheese, or even grilled peaches for a smoky flavor.

How do I select the best peaches for my salad?

Look for peaches that are slightly soft when gently squeezed and have a sweet aroma. Avoid those with blemishes or hard spots.

Can I use other fruits in place of peaches?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other seasonal fruits like nectarines or plums that pair well with mozzarella and basil.

Final Thoughts

The Peach Caprese Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that captures the essence of summer. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or as a light dinner option, this salad will impress with its freshness and vibrant colors. Give it a try and enjoy all the delightful variations you can create!