Millionaire Peach Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with savory ingredients like bacon, cheese, and fresh greens. This unique salad is perfect for a summer picnic, barbecue, or even as a light, indulgent lunch. The contrast of flavors and textures in this salad is simply irresistible—juicy peaches, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, all brought together in one beautiful, easy-to-make dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors
- Quick and easy to prepare, yet packed with rich flavors
- Light, refreshing, and satisfying—perfect for summer
- Great for serving at gatherings or as a special side dish
- A unique twist on traditional fruit salads
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Full list of ingredients with measurements below!
Prepare the Peaches
Start by washing and slicing the peaches into wedges or thick slices. Set them aside. If you prefer a slightly charred flavor, you can grill the peach slices for a minute or two on each side to bring out their natural sweetness.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, red onion, and crumbled bacon. Gently toss everything together, then add the sliced peaches on top.
Add the Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese over the top, followed by the candied pecans or walnuts, if using. These add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the salad.
Dress and Serve
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing over the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to coat, making sure the peaches and greens are well-dressed. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, honey mustard works wonderfully with the peaches.
- To make the salad even more decadent, add some creamy goat cheese or burrata in place of the blue cheese or feta.
- For added crunch, you can also toss in some crispy fried onions or croutons.
- Use fresh, in-season peaches for the best flavor, but you can also substitute nectarines or apricots if peaches aren’t available.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- If you’re looking for a lighter version, skip the bacon or substitute with turkey bacon or prosciutto.
- Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial main dish.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or replace it with dairy-free cheese options.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Millionaire Peach Salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken, pork, or fish for a light yet filling meal
- A chilled glass of rosé or sparkling water with a splash of lemon
- A side of crispy bread or rolls to soak up the dressing
Storage and Reheating Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the peaches can soften and the greens wilt over time. If you have leftovers, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the dressing on the side to avoid soggy greens. The salad will last for up to 1 day if stored properly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches?
While fresh peaches are ideal, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before using.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Can I make this a vegetarian salad?
Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use a plant-based dressing like balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing for extra richness.
Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Definitely! Try adding berries, mango, or even citrus slices for an added burst of flavor.
Conclusion
Millionaire Peach Salad is a delicious and unique twist on your typical summer salad. With juicy peaches, crispy bacon, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts, every bite is a delightful mix of flavors. Perfect for warm weather and gatherings, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
Print
Millionaire Peach Salad: A Sweet and Savory Summer Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 5 servings (add 2-4 servings above normal if desired) 1x
- Category: Salad, Dessert
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Millionaire Peach Salad is a refreshing, decadent combination of sweet peaches, creamy dressing, and a perfect balance of savory flavors. With a mix of juicy peaches, crunchy pecans, and rich whipped cream, this salad is a perfect side dish for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a sweet addition to any meal. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe peaches (peeled, pitted, and chopped)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or your favorite nuts)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches:
Peel, pit, and chop the peaches into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl. - Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, whipped cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. - Combine the Ingredients:
Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the chopped peaches until well coated. - Add the Extras:
Stir in the mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut (if using). Mix everything until well combined. - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the whipped cream with cool whip or make it lighter by using Greek yogurt instead.
- The salad can be made a day ahead to let the flavors develop even more.
- Feel free to swap the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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