Salad · Dinner · Lunch · American

Peach Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts

This vibrant peach salad features perfectly ripe fruit paired with creamy goat cheese and the earthy crunch of toasted hazelnuts.

4.5(109 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Peach Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts — American Salad served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
5 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Toast the Nuts

  1. 1

    Skillet Toasting

    Place hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and skins begin to crack.

    Tip: Rub the warm nuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove any loose bitter skins.

Emulsify Dressing

  1. 1

    Whisking

    In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.

    Tip: Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking constantly to create a stable emulsion.

How to Make Peach Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts

Total time: 20 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Prepare Hazelnuts

    Toast the hazelnuts in a small pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Shake the pan frequently to prevent burning. Once fragrant, let them cool slightly, then roughly chop.

  2. 2

    Prepare Onions

    Soak the thinly sliced red onions in a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. This removes the harsh bite and keeps them crisp. Drain and pat dry before using.

  3. 3

    Make Vinaigrette

    Combine olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a jar. Shake vigorously until the dressing is thick and pale gold.

  4. 4

    Toss Greens

    Place the arugula in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss gently to coat the leaves without bruising them.

  5. 5

    Layer the Salad

    Transfer the greens to a large serving platter. Arrange the peach wedges and sliced onions over the top in an even layer.

  6. 6

    Add Finishes

    Scatter the crumbled goat cheese and chopped toasted hazelnuts over the fruit. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the entire dish.

Chef's Tips

  • Choose peaches that give slightly to pressure but aren't mushy. Overripe peaches will release too much juice and wilt the greens.
  • Use white balsamic vinegar instead of dark to keep the colors of the salad bright and vibrant.
  • If hazelnuts are unavailable, toasted pecans or walnuts make an excellent substitute.

What to Serve with Peach Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve as a light starter for a summer dinner party.
  • Pair with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or chilled Rosé.
  • Serve alongside grilled sourdough bread.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a high protein main course.

Variation

Swap goat cheese for salty feta or creamy burrata.

Variation

Substitute peaches for nectarines or plums if preferred.

Storage & Reheating

This salad is best served immediately. If making ahead, store the dressing and salad components separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this peach salad in advance?

You can prep the ingredients and the dressing up to a day ahead, but do not combine them until right before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.

Should the peaches be peeled for the salad?

Peeling is not necessary for a peach salad. The skin provides beautiful color and extra fiber, and it holds the slices together better.

What is the best way to slice peaches?

Run a knife around the pit to halve the fruit, twist to separate, and then slice each half into even wedges.

Can I use frozen peaches?

Frozen peaches are not recommended for this fresh salad as they become too soft and watery once thawed. Fresh, seasonal fruit is best.

How do I keep the hazelnuts from burning?

Toast them over medium-low heat and stay by the stove. They go from toasted to burnt very quickly; remove them as soon as you smell a nutty aroma.

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