Nothing says summer like fresh peaches in a salad. Summer will always be a feel-good season to me, one that I associate with the end of school and beginning of new adventures. I love barbecuing in the summer and piecing together fresh and light dishes that embody the season. A salad completes any backyard BBQ spread and this pairs seamlessly with grilled proteins and grain dishes.
Five ways to enjoy peaches this summer:
1. Peaches and prosciutto will always go together in my book. Sweet meets salty, delivering the quintessential taste of summer on the tongue.
2. Peaches and a balsamic glaze. A balsamic glaze can elevate any summer dish. Though I enjoy it best with grilled meats and fish, watch your peaches transform in flavor with a simple drizzle of our favorite warm-weather dressing.
3. Peach cobbler. Fruity desserts embody summer and with a scoop of ice cream you simply can’t wrong!
4. Peach popsicles. Blend peaches up in a blender with water, add some yogurt for staying power and add to popsicle molds for a fresh, innovative taste of our favorite summer fruit.
5. Peach smoothies. Add some fresh peaches to your next blender creation. Eating in season is associated with higher nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition:
Peaches: Peaches are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They have a fairly low glycemic index and provide ample free-radical fighting antioxidants.
Pistachios: Research suggests that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts) as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart diease. High nut consumption is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, lower levels of inflammatory markers, as well as reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.
- 3 cups arugula
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 2 oz Mozzarella, cut into small pieces
- 1 peach, sliced
- 2 tbsp pistachios
- Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Pepper
- In a large bowl, toss arugula with sliced tomato, mozzarella, peach slices and pistachios.
- In a small bowl, mix together dressing ingredients and dress salad.
- Toss salad with dressing and serve fresh.
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