Salad with peaches, blackberries and basil vinaigrette celebrates the fresh flavors of summer. Topped with chicken, shrimp, fish or steak it becomes a meal, but it’s a light and bright side without the protein.
The freshest of the fresh, this salad with peaches, blackberries and pecans is accented with a tangy cheese, and dressed with a lemony, basil vinaigrette.
Many of the ingredients came from our local farmers market, Norcross Community Market. Each week guest cooks (or chefs) are invited to prepare a dish highlighting ingredients available at the market. We were excited to create our salad in the “Cooks Corner” of the market and offer samples to the visitors.
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Also dubbed “Farmers Market Salad” this gorgeous, colorful plate of fresh goodness makes a perfect side dish for any meal. But, did you know that you can serve it in larger portions, top it with a protein and it’s a light, summery main dish?
Another great way to use those fresh peaches? Chilled Peach Soup – it has cucumbers too, which are in season at the same time. How perfect is that? Caramelized Peaches are made in a skillet and make the perfect topping for pancakes, french toast or pound cake.
And for more ways to use those fresh blackberries you’ll want to try homemade Blackberry BBQ Sauce and Blackberry Syrup!
What would be good on top to make this salad a meal?
- Our favorite (and one of yours) Preacher Chicken and Grilled Chicken for Salad
- Grilled or sauteed shrimp (if you need a quick and easy recipe check this one)
- A small steak, cut into strips (a great way to use leftover steak) or leftover Grilled Chuck Roast
- Grilled fish (we love it blackened)
What other ideas can you think of? Drop us a note in the comments. We love hearing from you.
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Salad with Peaches, Blackberries & Basil Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Basil Vinaigrette
Salad with Peaches, Blackberries & Pecans
- 10 ounces salad greens
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese use any blue cheese if preferred
- ½ cup pecans halves or pieces
- ½ pint fresh blackberries
- 3 peaches sliced & tossed with a citrus/water mixture
Instructions
Dressing
- Shake all ingredients in tightly closed jar, or whisk in bowl until emulsified.
Salad
- Peel peaches, if desired.
- Slice peaches and let sit in a bowl with water and about 2 Tablespoons of any type citrus juice (lemon, orange, etc.) while preparing the rest of the salad.
- Toss greens, blackberries, and pecans together. Top with peach slices and cheese.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
Notes
We love our Farmers Market
Norcross Community Market is a producers-only market and includes vendors with prepared foods, honey, pet treats, cheeses, meats, baked goods and so much more. If you’re in the area come on by.
If you’re located elsewhere, we encourage you to seek out your own local farmers markets. You’ll support area small businesses, have the quickest and easiest access to local foods and make some new friends! There is so much to love about a local farmers market.
For more great info about southern cuisine you’ll want to read Southern Food Then and Now.
A few items that will come in handy:
- These herb scissors are the coolest!
- Our favorite tool for juicing citrus
- This little mini chopper is perfect for pecans
Other Recipes You Will Love
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Love Blackberries like we do? Try these other recipes using them
Southern Blackberry Mules (so refreshing!)
Homemade Blackberry Syrup
More recipe sources that we recommend:
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Peaches and blackberries are so pretty together, and I love the added crunch from the pecans!
Pam says
Thanks, Tara!
Daniela says
I love that you cook at your local farmers market! I live in a super small town, so I understand how important it is to support local businesses. And this salad looks so fresh and delicious! I’m obsessed with shrimp lately, so I can definitely see myself topping it with some grilled shrimp for dinner.
Pam says
Awww, thanks for all of your kind words, Daniela!
Jenni LeBaron says
I’m so thrilled that the peaches and blackberries are in full force right now. Peaches are my absolute favorite so this salad looks scrumptious!
Pam says
Some of our favorites, too, Jenni.
Meeta says
Salads like this are a huge favorite and scream for summer! A great way to enjoy a fruity / savory meal. Preparing things like this at the Farmer’s Market is such a great way to intorduce people to new ideas and ways to use fruit.
Pam says
We agree, Meeta. We had several people stop by who had never thought of putting peaches in salad. Thanks!
Danielle says
This salad almost looks too pretty to eat! I love all of the fresh product in it.
Pam says
Thanks so much, Danielle!
Jyothi (Jo) says
This is summer on a plate. Love the colors and peaches and blackberries are so wonderful together. Delicious!
Mark says
I am looking for new salads and I made this last week. I loved it. And I couldnt believe it was perfect leftovers the next day as well, if not nicer. Thanks man. Very nice!
Pam says
Thanks so much for letting us know, Mark!