Peach walnut salad
Just add walnuts for the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch to this peach summer salad!
Ingredients:
— Spinach or greens of choice for your base
— Fresh peaches
— Goat cheese, flour, egg, and, bread crumbs
— California walnuts, egg, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt
— Dressing of choice
How-to: Preheat the oven to 300˚F.
1. Whisk together 1 egg & 1 tbs maple syrup. Toss with about 2 cups of walnuts.
2. In another small bowl, mix together 2 tbs brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss this mixture over the nuts and mix again.
3. Roast for 25 minutes, tossing halfway.
4. While the nuts roast, roll the goat cheese into small disks.
5. Dip in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs.
6. Add a drizzle of oil to a pan, and pan fry over medium-low, flipping once golden and crispy on the bottom.
7. Toss together greens, goat cheese, peaches, and nuts. Top with dressing.
I've become absolutely obsessed with this peach walnut salad, and I wanted to share a few more tips and ideas to make it even more amazing and versatile! It's not just a side dish; it can easily become a star of your meal. Boosting Your Health with Peaches and Walnuts Beyond tasting incredible, this salad is packed with goodness. I always look for healthy walnut recipes, and this one truly delivers. Walnuts are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and brain function. Plus, they add such a satisfying crunch! Peaches, especially those beautiful yellow peaches, are rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. They're naturally sweet and hydrating, making them perfect for warmer weather. Combining these two powerhouses means you're getting a delicious meal that also supports your well-being. It's truly a win-win! Choosing and Preparing Your Peaches Like a Pro For the best peach walnut salad, getting the right peaches is key. I've found that ripe but firm peaches work best—they hold their shape in the salad but are still juicy and sweet. To check for ripeness, gently squeeze the peach; it should give slightly, and you should smell that lovely peachy aroma. If your peaches are a bit firm, just leave them on the counter for a day or two. When preparing, I usually slice them into wedges or chunks, depending on their size. Don't worry if they're not perfectly uniform; the rustic look adds to the charm! Expanding Your Walnut Horizons While this recipe features delicious candied walnuts, there are so many other ways to enjoy walnuts in your cooking. If you're wondering what nuts go with peaches, walnuts are definitely a top contender, but pecans or even almonds could offer a different twist. For healthy walnut recipes beyond salads, I love tossing them into morning oatmeal, blending them into smoothies for extra protein, or even making savory walnut pesto. If you have extra candied walnuts, they make fantastic snacks with walnuts for a quick energy boost, or a lovely topping for yogurt and ice cream. The key is toasting them, like in this recipe, to bring out their rich flavor. Customizing Your Peach Walnut Salad Experience One of the reasons I adore this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand. While spinach is a great base, I sometimes use mixed greens, arugula for a peppery kick, or even soft butter lettuce. For the cheese, if goat cheese isn't your favorite, crumbled feta or even a fresh mozzarella ball torn into pieces would be delightful. And don't stop there! I often add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial main course. A sprinkle of fresh mint or basil can also elevate the flavors beautifully, adding an unexpected freshness. For dressing, a simple balsamic vinaigrette or a light honey-lemon dressing works wonders. Experiment and find your favorite combination!
