Name: Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix); 2 ripe peaches, sliced or wedged; ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta; ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts; ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup ruby Port wine; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; ⅓ cup olive oil; Salt & fresh-cracked pepper to taste

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There is nothing quite as delightful as a Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. This salad brings together juicy ripe peaches, peppery greens, creamy cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts, all crowned with a silky, slightly sweet Port Wine Vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple lunch or impress guests at a summer gathering, this recipe promises freshness and elegance with effortless ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round white plate on a white marbled surface holds a fresh green salad with different leafy greens piled in one section. Next to it, there is a wedge of blue-veined cheese showing its creamy texture and blue spots. Beside the cheese, there are several pecan nuts in a small heap. Three whole peaches with soft orange and red skin rest at the bottom of the plate. A small clear container filled with brown dressing is placed near the salad. Long green chives lay across the bottom edge of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and color. From succulent peaches to rich port wine, every component adds something special that makes this salad sing.

4 cups mixed greens: Choose peppery arugula, tender baby spinach, or a vibrant spring mix for varied textures and a fresh, earthy base.
2 ripe peaches, sliced or wedged: Opt for firm-ripe peaches to ensure a juicy, luscious bite without sogginess.
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta: Creamy and tangy cheese offers a luscious contrast that complements the sweet peaches.
¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth, enhancing both texture and flavor.
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and nuts.
¼ cup ruby Port wine: The star of the vinaigrette, bringing a rich, fruity sweetness with a hint of sophistication.
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity and depth, balancing the sweetness of the port and peaches.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Gives the vinaigrette a touch of tangy sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that complement the peaches and port without overpowering the salad.
⅓ cup olive oil: Smooth, fruity olive oil forms the luscious base of the vinaigrette.
Salt & fresh-cracked pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors to life.

How to Make Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Port Wine

Start by pouring the ruby Port wine into a small saucepan and bringing it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce by half, which should take about 5 minutes. This concentrates the wine’s intense, fruity notes, creating a luxuriously rich base for your vinaigrette. Let it cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Whisk the Vinaigrette

In a bowl, combine the reduced Port wine with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it becomes smooth and emulsified. This vinaigrette will add a silky, tangy sweetness that makes the Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the mixed greens, peach slices, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted nuts. Each ingredient harmonizes to give this salad a delightful balance of crispness, sweetness, and a hint of bite from the onions.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the Port Wine Vinaigrette evenly over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything without bruising the delicate peaches. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta on top. Your Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe is now ready to serve immediately and enjoy at its freshest.

How to Serve Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe

This image shows a fresh salad in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has several layers: at the bottom, there are mixed green leaves with light and dark green colors and soft textures. On top, there are yellow peach slices with smooth edges and a shiny surface, along with dark brown pecans that look firm and slightly wrinkled. Small pieces of crumbly white cheese are scattered throughout, adding a contrast in color and texture. A woman's hand is holding the bowl slightly from the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like mint or basil as a garnish can amplify the salad’s bright flavors. A light sprinkle of edible flowers also turns it into a stunning centerpiece. Toasted seeds or pomegranate arils add both crunch and a burst of color, making the salad as visually beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of light and flavorful dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or prosciutto for added protein and richness. It also complements crusty artisan bread or a chilled white wine, creating a well-rounded meal perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad layered in clear glass bowls to showcase its colorful ingredients or stuff the peach wedges with cheese and nuts for bite-sized appetizers. Using individual lettuce cups to hold salad portions makes for a charming and interactive dining experience your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the salad and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss them together just before serving to keep the peaches and greens crisp and fresh.

Freezing

Since this salad relies heavily on fresh fruit and greens, freezing is not recommended as it will compromise texture and flavor.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad — it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to savor the vibrant flavors and crisp textures fully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches in this Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe?

Fresh, firm-ripe peaches are ideal to maintain a juicy texture without turning the salad mushy. Frozen peaches tend to be too soft and watery once thawed, which can affect the overall salad experience.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?

Absolutely! Simply skip the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative, and swap honey for maple syrup in the vinaigrette. This keeps the salad deliciously vegan without sacrificing any flavor.

How long does the Port Wine Vinaigrette keep?

The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using as the ingredients may separate over time.

Can I add protein to make this salad more filling?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or thin slices of prosciutto are fantastic protein additions that complement the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance of the salad.

What’s a good substitute for Port wine in the vinaigrette?

If you don’t have Port wine on hand, a sweet red wine or a fortified wine like Marsala can work in a pinch. Just make sure to reduce it as described to concentrate the flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something light, fresh, and packed with flavor, the Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe should be your next go-to. It effortlessly captures the essence of summer while feeling special enough for any occasion. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite salad that brings a little elegance to your table with every bite.

Fresh Peach Salad with Port Wine Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need