Description
This Arugula Nectarine Salad is a bright, refreshing summer salad combining peppery arugula with sweet, juicy nectarines and tangy feta. Enhanced with red onion, fresh basil, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a simple honey-mustard vinaigrette, it’s a perfect light meal or side dish bursting with fresh flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula, washed and dried
- 2 ripe nectarines, thinly sliced
- â…“ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional but adds depth)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional for crunch)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Slice and Chop Ingredients: Thinly slice the nectarines and red onion. Chop the fresh basil and nuts if you are using them for added flavor and crunch.
- Toss Arugula with Dressing: Place the arugula in a large salad bowl, drizzle with a small amount of the dressing, and gently toss to lightly coat the leaves with flavor.
- Layer Toppings: Arrange the sliced nectarines, red onion, crumbled feta, chopped basil, and nuts evenly on top of the dressed arugula for an attractive presentation and variety of textures.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated. Serve immediately to maintain freshness and crispness.
Notes
- Use ripe nectarines for the best sweetness and flavor contrast with the peppery arugula.
- Chilling the salad ingredients before assembling can enhance the refreshment factor on hot days.
- Walnuts or almonds add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted if nut allergies are a concern.
- To make it vegan, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit altogether.
- Adjust vinegar type based on personal preference; balsamic adds sweetness while white wine vinegar is more tart.
