Description

A refreshing and vibrant Peach Salad II with a zesty Orange Poppyseed Dressing, combining peppery rocket, juicy yellow peaches, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese. This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, highlighted by a tangy and slightly sweet dressing made with orange zest, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

120g / 4oz baby rocket/arugula
2 yellow peaches, ripe and juicy, halved then cut into thin slices (nectarines also work)
1/3 cup walnuts, lightly toasted then broken or chopped into pieces
70g / 2oz creamy Danish feta (or Persian marinated feta or goat’s cheese)

Dressing Ingredients

2 tbsp apple cider or white wine vinegar
6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or a nut oil)
1 tsp orange zest, finely grated (optional)
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Make the Dressing: Place the apple cider or white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, orange zest, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sugar, and salt into a jar. Secure the lid tightly, then shake well until the dressing is thoroughly combined and emulsified.
Prepare the Salad Base: Put the baby rocket/arugula into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle a small amount of the prepared dressing over the greens, then toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat the leaves without making them soggy.
Assemble the Salad: Transfer about one third of the dressed rocket into a serving bowl. Sprinkle one third of the sliced peaches, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta evenly over the greens. Drizzle with some dressing. Repeat this layering process two more times with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a generous drizzle of dressing on top. Serve immediately to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

Lightly toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance their flavor and crunch.
You can substitute peaches with nectarines if preferred or in season.
The orange zest in the dressing is optional but adds a lovely citrus aroma and brightness.
Adjust sugar amount in the dressing to taste, especially if using sweeter peaches.
Serve this salad fresh; tossing it just before serving prevents the rocket from wilting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peach salad, Orange poppyseed dressing, Arugula salad, Summer salad, Vegetarian salad, Easy lunch, Feta salad