Summer is here, and there’s nothing quite like a dressing that sings with natural sweetness and fruit-forward flavor. This Tasty Peach Salad Dressing is fresh, simple, and perfect for dressing up greens, fruit salads, grilled chicken, or even roasted veggies. With just a few ingredients—ripe peaches, olive oil, lemon (or vinegar), honey, and a pinch of salt—you’ll have a light, fruity sauce that enhances without overwhelming.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick & easy: It takes about 10 minutes from start to finish to blend and adjust.
- Real ingredients: No artificial flavors or preservatives—just fresh peach, olive oil, and sweeteners.
- Customizable sweetness & tang: Honey, lemon juice or other vinegars let you adjust to your taste.
- Versatile uses: Use as a salad dressing, a marinade, or even a drizzle over fruit bowls.
What Kind of Peach to Use
Choose a peach that’s just ripe—it should give slightly when pressed and have a strong, sweet aroma. Yellow peaches are especially good for dressings because their flavor is more pronounced; frozen peaches (thawed) are okay in off‑season, but avoid canned peaches (syrupy sweetness can throw things off balance).
Recipe Details (Printable Version)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10‑15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10‑15 minutes |
| Yield | About one small jar (~½‑¾ cup) |
| Serving Size | Enough for 4‑6 salads, depending on how heavily you dress them |
Ingredients
- ½ large ripe peach
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or substitute champagne vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons honey (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Wash and peel the peach (peel is optional), pit it, and chop roughly.
- Put the peach, lemon juice (or vinegar), honey, and salt into a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending to create a smooth emulsion.
- Taste and adjust: add more honey if you want sweeter, more acid or salt if needed. Blend again briefly.
- Transfer to a jar. Let flavors rest if you can (even 10–15 minutes helps).
Estimated Nutrition (per batch, approximate)
- Calories: 300‑350
- Carbohydrates: ~20‑25 g
- Fat: ~27‑31 g
- Protein: ~0‑1 g
Substitutions & Variations
- Fruit swap: If peaches aren’t available, try nectarines, apricots, or even mango.
- Oil substitute: Extra virgin olive oil gives good flavor; avocado oil is more neutral. Light olive oil also works.
- Acid swap: Lemon juice is great; you could also use champagne vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar—just reduce quantity as needed.
- Sweetener alternatives: Maple syrup or agave can be used if you want a vegan version.
- Salt alternatives: Kosher salt or fine table salt works—adjust amounts accordingly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underripe peaches — they won’t give enough flavor or sweetness.
- Cold ingredients straight from fridge — letting them come to room temperature helps with better blending.
- Not tasting & adjusting — peaches vary, so you may need more or less honey or lemon.
- Not blending gradually — blend fruit first, then add oil, etc. Straining helps if you want smoother texture.
What to Serve With This Dressing
Here are some pairing ideas:
- Mixed greens with grilled chicken, goat cheese, and candied nuts
- Baby spinach with berries and slivered almonds
- Grain bowls (quinoa, roasted veggies, avocado)
- As a marinade for shrimp, chicken, or fish
- Drizzled over fresh fruit or fruit salads
Storage & Make‑Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake before use (separation is natural).
- If it thickens up or solidifies slightly when cold, let sit at room temperature for 5‑10 minutes, then shake well.
Additional Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain through a fine sieve to remove any pulp.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small amount of fresh ginger or mint.
- Try using this dressing over grilled stone fruit for a dessert twist.