This colorful salad combines sweet peaches and juicy blueberries with fresh spinach, crunchy pecans, and salty prosciutto. It’s a tasty mix of flavors that’s great for any meal!
When I make this salad, it feels like summer on a plate. The juicy fruit and crunchy nuts make every bite a delight! Perfect for lunch or as a side dish at dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Spinach: Fresh baby spinach gives this salad a tender base. If you can’t find baby spinach, you can use regular spinach, but be sure to remove the thick stems for a more pleasant texture.
Peaches: Ripe peaches add sweetness and juiciness. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or mango can be tasty substitutes, offering similar flavors and textures.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are wonderful here, adding a burst of flavor. If fresh aren’t available, frozen blueberries work in a pinch, but drain them well to avoid sogginess.
Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a nice crunch. If you want alternatives, walnuts or almonds are great choices and can add their unique essence to the salad!
Prosciutto: The salty prosciutto complements the fruit beautifully. You could swap it for bacon, turkey bacon, or even omit it for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Make the Perfect Salad Dressing?
Making the dressing can be tricky, but it’s simple when you know a few tips! Start by combining your ingredients—olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper—in a small bowl. Whisk until they’re blended thoroughly. This ensures every bite of salad is coated evenly!
- Make sure to taste the dressing and adjust it. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. If you want it tangier, add more vinegar.
- Dress the salad just before serving so the spinach stays crisp. If it sits too long, it can wilt, and nobody wants soggy greens!
This salad dressing can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week—just give it a good shake before using!
Easy Peach Blueberry Spinach Salad with Pecans and Prosciutto
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 4 slices prosciutto, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take about 10 minutes to prepare. Perfect for a quick lunch or a lovely side dish at dinner. No need to cook—just chop, mix, and serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until everything is well mixed. This dressing will bring all the flavors together!
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, add the fresh baby spinach. Make sure to rinse and dry the spinach if it’s not pre-washed. This will give your salad a nice, fresh crunch!
3. Add the Fruits:
Now, it’s time to layer on the delicious fruits! Arrange the thin peach slices and fresh blueberries evenly over the spinach. This adds color and sweetness to the salad.
4. Sprinkle on the Crunch:
Next, scatter the toasted pecans and torn prosciutto pieces over the salad. The pecans add a lovely crunch, and the prosciutto gives it a delightful salty kick!
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing you made earlier over the entire salad just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and fresh!
6. Toss or Serve:
Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients in the dressing, or serve it as is to keep the layering intact. Both ways are beautiful!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig in immediately for the best flavor and texture! This salad is a burst of freshness in every bite!
FAQ for Easy Peach Blueberry Spinach Salad
Can I Use Frozen Fruit Instead of Fresh?
While fresh fruit works best for this salad, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in your salad!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the prosciutto and substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar. It will still taste delicious and satisfying!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach and fruits fresh. However, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a stir before using!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The salad may become a bit wilted, but you can add fresh spinach or a bit more dressing to revive it when serving again!
