Peach and Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe

This refreshing summer salad brings together a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy peaches, fresh blueberries, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta, all tossed in a tangy basil-lemon dressing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
• 3 fresh peaches (skin on, pitted, and cut into bite-sized pieces, divided)
• 1 English cucumber, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 shallot
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup or honey (or more to taste)

Directions

1. Start by placing the chopped Romaine lettuce, 2 of the peaches, cucumbers, and blueberries into a large mixing bowl.
2. Toss everything together to combine well. Once mixed, add the crumbled feta on top and set the bowl aside.
3. For the dressing, add the remaining peach, olive oil, shallot, lemon juice, basil, and agave syrup into a food processor.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
5. Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	311
Total Fat	18g	23%
Saturated Fat	5g	24%
Cholesterol	17mg	6%
Sodium	183mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	36g	13%
Dietary Fiber	5g	18%
Total Sugars	26g
Protein	7g	13%
Vitamin C	22mg	25%
Calcium	158mg	12%
Iron	2mg	10%
Potassium	779mg	17%

This refreshing Peach and Blueberry Feta Salad combines the sweetness of fresh peaches and blueberries with the creamy saltiness of feta cheese, making it an ideal dish for summer gatherings. Tossed in a peach and basil vinaigrette, this salad brings together a delightful balance of flavors that will impress any guest.

Origin and History

The origins of the Peach and Blueberry Feta Salad are deeply rooted in the Mediterranean region, where feta cheese is a staple ingredient. While the salad itself is a modern creation, it draws inspiration from traditional Mediterranean salads, which combine fresh produce and cheese in light, flavorful dishes. The inclusion of fruit, particularly peaches and blueberries, is reflective of the increasing trend of incorporating sweet ingredients into savory salads, a concept that has grown in popularity across North America in recent decades.

Regional Characteristics

Salads featuring feta cheese are common throughout the Mediterranean, especially in Greece, where feta is considered a national treasure. However, the combination of sweet fruits like peaches and blueberries with feta is more typical of American and Western European cuisines. In these regions, salads have become a versatile dish that adapts to seasonal ingredients, with summer fruits like peaches and blueberries frequently making an appearance. This salad blends flavors from both Mediterranean and contemporary American cuisine, creating a refreshing dish that can be served as a side or a light meal.

How This Salad Differs from Similar Dishes

While fruit salads and Mediterranean salads are both popular, the Peach and Blueberry Feta Salad stands out due to its specific combination of ingredients. Unlike traditional fruit salads, which typically focus on sweet fruits, this recipe includes the savory contrast of feta cheese, creating a more complex flavor profile. Similarly, while other Mediterranean salads may include fruits like tomatoes or olives, they do not usually feature sweet, juicy fruits like peaches and blueberries. The basil dressing further enhances the dish, adding a fragrant herbaceous note that distinguishes it from simpler fruit-and-cheese salads.

Where to Serve This Salad

Peach and Blueberry Feta Salad is perfect for a variety of occasions. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it an excellent choice for summer picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a light vegetarian entre. This salad is also ideal for brunches or as a refreshing side dish at dinner parties. It is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a standalone dish or as part of a larger meal, offering both sweetness and savory depth to complement other courses.

Interesting Facts About Peach and Blueberry Feta Salad

• The combination of feta and fruit is known for its health benefits, with feta providing a source of protein and calcium, while fruits like peaches and blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Blueberries are often referred to as a "superfood" due to their high levels of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and protect the body against oxidative stress.
• The practice of pairing fruits with cheese dates back to ancient times in Mediterranean cultures, where figs, olives, and honey were often paired with various cheeses.
• Peach season is typically in late summer, making this salad a seasonal favorite when the fruit is at its juiciest and most flavorful.
• The addition of basil in the dressing is a nod to the herb's popularity in Mediterranean cuisine, where it is often used to enhance both savory and sweet dishes.

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