Description
This Peach Blueberry Arugula Salad is a fresh and vibrant summer salad featuring juicy peaches, sweet blueberries, peppery arugula, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy maple pecan brittle, all tossed in a luscious vanilla balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a light lunch, an elegant side dish, or for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Pecan Brittle
- 1 cup raw, unsalted pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vanilla Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salad
- 5 ounces arugula
- 2 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 peaches, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled or cubed feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Pecan Brittle: Preheat oven to 275°F and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the pecans, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla extract, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely, then break into small bite-sized pieces.
- Make Vanilla Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, vanilla extract, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and combined.
- Assemble Salad: On a large platter or in a salad bowl, arrange the arugula, thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh blueberries, and sliced peaches. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared vanilla balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Finally, top the salad with the cooled pecan brittle. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- For best texture, add dressing and pecan brittle just before serving.
- The pecan brittle can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- Goat cheese may be substituted for feta if preferred.
- For a complete meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Salad is best enjoyed fresh; leftovers may soften after refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
