Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad

The Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and nutrient-packed dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This salad is a delightful combination of tender, hearty kale with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and blueberries, finished off with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and wholesome salad that can serve as a light meal or a side dish at your next gathering.

The kale provides a rich, leafy base that’s not only nutritious but also full of texture. The peaches and blueberries add a burst of sweetness and juiciness, while the toasted pepitas offer a satisfying crunch. The homemade lemon vinaigrette ties everything together with its zesty, slightly sweet flavor. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a potluck dish, or a refreshing side for dinner, this salad is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Seasonal Freshness: The combination of juicy peaches and blueberries makes this salad a celebration of summer’s best fruits.
2. Nutrient-Dense: Kale, fruit, and pepitas come together to provide a meal rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
3. Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you can prepare a vibrant, tasty salad in no time.
4. Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing or add extra toppings like cheese, nuts, or seeds.
5. Light and Refreshing: This salad is light yet filling, making it perfect for a warm-weather meal that won’t leave you feeling heavy.

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Bunch of kale (chopped)
• Fresh peaches (pitted and chopped)
• Blueberries
• Toasted pepitas
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• Lemons (juiced)
• Honey
• Extra light-tasting olive oil
• Cracked black pepper

Variations

• Add Protein: To make this salad more substantial, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top.
• Different Fruit: Swap the peaches and blueberries for other fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, or cherries.
• Nuts: If you don’t have pepitas, you can substitute with roasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different crunch.
• Vegan Version: To make this salad completely vegan, ensure that the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Cheese: Feta or goat cheese can be added for a creamy, tangy contrast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Kale

Wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Remove the tough stems and ribs. To make the kale more tender, massage the kale with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt for a couple of minutes until it softens and becomes darker in color.

Step 2: Toast the Pepitas

In a small skillet, heat the pepitas over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they’re lightly golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit

Wash the peaches and blueberries. Cut the peaches into small cubes, removing the pit, and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, combine the fresh lemon juice, honey, and olive oil. Add cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk or shake the mixture until it’s well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, add the chopped kale, peaches, and blueberries. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add the toasted pepitas and give the salad another toss.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Tender Kale: If you prefer a milder kale flavor, consider removing the tough stems and massaging the leaves with olive oil for added tenderness.
• Dressing Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the lemon vinaigrette by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the kale, peaches, and blueberries ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad right before serving.
• Pepitas Substitution: If you don’t have pepitas, any nut or seed will work, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts.

How to Serve

• This salad can be served as a light lunch, paired with a protein like grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu.
• It works wonderfully as a side dish for BBQs, picnics, or summer gatherings.
• Top it with a scoop of hummus or a slice of crusty bread for a more complete meal.
• This refreshing salad is also great as a side for dishes like grilled meats or seafood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. However, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to avoid the kale becoming soggy.

Freezing

This salad is best served fresh and is not suitable for freezing due to the texture of the kale and fruits.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Just assemble it fresh when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use curly kale instead of regular kale?

Yes, curly kale works just as well, though it may require a bit more massaging to make it tender.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad components ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing and pepitas right before serving to ensure the salad remains fresh.

3. What other fruits can I add to this salad?

Feel free to substitute the peaches and blueberries with other seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, mangoes, or nectarines.

4. Can I use bottled lemon juice for the dressing?

Fresh lemon juice will give the vinaigrette the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

5. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the lemon vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

6. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free honey or a suitable substitute.

7. Can I use a different sweetener in the dressing?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a stevia-based sweetener for a different flavor or to make the salad vegan.

8. How long will this salad stay fresh in the fridge?

This salad is best eaten within a day or two, as the fruit and dressing can cause the kale to wilt over time.

9. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, adding crumbled feta or goat cheese would provide a creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

10. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally dairy-free, and it’s easy to keep it that way by omitting any cheese and using a dairy-free sweetener like maple syrup.

Conclusion

The Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad is a perfect celebration of the fresh and vibrant flavors of summer. This salad offers a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients that will refresh your palate and leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or serving it as a side dish for a gathering, this salad is a nutritious, delicious, and visually stunning option that’s sure to be a hit!

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