Looking for a refreshing twist on a summer salad? The Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad might just be your new favorite. This delightful combination offers a burst of fresh flavors that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Sweet, juicy peaches mix wonderfully with the creamy mozzarella, while the basil adds a pop of spiciness that ties everything together.

Imagine biting into a salad that features top-season peaches combined with fresh basil leaves and soft mozzarella. These ingredients create a completely unique taste that stands out from the usual salad fare. Perfect for hot summer days, this dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it an excellent choice for a summer meal or a side dish at your next gathering.
What makes this salad even more appealing is its simplicity. With just a few premium ingredients, you can whip this up in no time. Plus, the Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad meets various dietary preferences and offers some nutritional benefits, making it more than just tasty—it's good for you, too!
Table of Contents
Ingredients Spotlight
In making a Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad, choosing the right ingredients can elevate your salad to the next level. Let’s dive into the essentials: peaches, mozzarella, and basil.
Peaches: Choosing the Best
Fresh, ripe peaches are the heart of this summer salad. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. They should have a sweet aroma, indicating they are ripe and flavorful. It's best to use in-season peaches for the freshest taste and juiciest texture.
When preparing, wash the peaches thoroughly and pit them. Thinly slice them to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients. Consistency is key; each peach slice should be of similar size to achieve a balanced bite.
Mozzarella: Fresh vs Regular
For this salad, fresh mozzarella is preferable over regular mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella has a softer, creamier texture that pairs wonderfully with sweet fruit like peaches. It also has a more mild and delicate taste, which enhances rather than overpowers the other ingredients.
Slice or tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. If you can't find fresh mozzarella, you can substitute it with bocconcini or even burrata for a richer, creamier option. Remember to pat the cheese dry before adding it to the salad to avoid excess moisture.
Basil: Aromatic Addition
Basil adds an aromatic freshness to your salad. When choosing basil, look for bright green leaves without any dark spots or wilting. Fresh basil leaves have a peppery, slightly sweet flavor that complements both the peaches and mozzarella.
You can either tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces or slice them thinly, depending on your preference. Scatter the basil evenly over the salad to ensure every bite has a hint of its unique flavor. For an added twist, consider using a mix of sweet and Thai basil for a more complex flavor profile.
These key ingredients bring distinct flavors and textures, creating a delightful harmony in your Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad.
Preparation Techniques
To create the perfect Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad, you'll need to pay attention to how you slice and prepare the ingredients, how you mix the dressing, and how you plate the final dish.
Slicing and Dicing
Start with the peaches. Wash them thoroughly, pit them, and then slice them thinly. The thin slices help to distribute their sweet flavor evenly throughout the salad.
Next, move on to the mozzarella. You can either slice it or tear it into bite-sized pieces. Tearing is easier and creates a more rustic look.
Finally, prep the basil. Either tear the leaves or slice them thinly, depending on your preference.
Dressing for Success
For the dressing, you'll need extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad.
For additional sweetness and tang, add balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like your salad sweeter, add a drizzle of honey. For a fresh, zesty flavor, squeeze some lemon juice over the top.
Plating the Perfect Salad
Choose a large salad bowl or serving platter. Arrange the peach slices and mozzarella pieces evenly. The goal is to make sure each bite has a bit of everything.
Scatter the torn basil leaves over the top. This adds a beautiful, vibrant green color that contrasts nicely with the peaches and mozzarella.
Serve immediately to enjoy the flavors at their freshest and most vibrant.
Recipe: Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and pit the peaches, then slice them thinly.
- Slice or tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
- Tear or thinly slice the basil leaves.
Assemble the Salad:
- On a large serving platter or in a bowl, arrange the peach slices and mozzarella pieces.
- Scatter the torn basil leaves over the top.
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
- If using, drizzle balsamic glaze over the top.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- For a sweeter salad, drizzle honey over the peaches and mozzarella.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad for added brightness.
Tips
- Variations: Add a handful of arugula or mixed greens for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Serving Suggestions

Enjoying your Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad can be enhanced in several ways. Whether you serve it as a light starter, pair it with a hearty main dish, or add a unique twist, this salad is versatile and sure to please.
As an Appetizer
Serve this salad as a refreshing start to your meal. Arrange slices of peach and mozzarella artistically on a large platter, sprinkling fresh basil over the top.
Use a drizzle of olive oil and optionally balsamic glaze for added flavor. Offer crusty bread alongside to provide a satisfying crunch. This salad works well for summer parties, providing a light and fruity introduction to your main course.
Main Course Pairings
Pair the Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad with grilled meats or robust pasta dishes. A Cast Iron Skillet Steak or Tarragon Roast Chicken complements the salad's fresh flavors.
For a vegetarian option, serve it with Penne All’arrabbiata for an Italian twist. The sweetness of peaches balances the savory notes, making it an ideal side dish for a variety of meals.
Creative Variations
Get creative with your salad by adding different ingredients. A handful of arugula or mixed greens adds texture. For extra brightness, sprinkle lemon juice over the salad before serving.
If you prefer a bit of sweetness, a drizzle of honey can enhance the flavor. You can even include avocado or cucumber to add more variety and nutrients to your plate.
Nutritional Information

Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad is both delicious and nutritious. It offers a mix of sweet, creamy, and refreshing flavors, while also supplying your body with essential nutrients.
Calories
This salad is fairly light, with each serving providing around 200-250 calories. The low calorie content makes it a great option for a healthy lunch or side dish.
Protein
The fresh mozzarella adds a good amount of protein, approximately 10 grams per serving. This helps support muscle growth and repair.
Fat
Extra-virgin olive oil and mozzarella contribute healthy fats. Each serving contains around 15 grams of fat, essential for absorbing vitamins and supporting brain health.
Carbohydrates
Peaches provide natural sugars and carbohydrates, crucial for energy. You get about 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fiber
Peaches are also a good source of dietary fiber, offering about 2-3 grams per serving. Fiber aids in digestion and helps keep you full longer.
Nutritional Breakdown per Serving
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 200-250 |
Protein | ~10 grams |
Fats | ~15 grams |
Carbohydrates | ~20 grams |
Fiber | 2-3 grams |
Basil
Basil adds a burst of flavor with negligible calories. It also packs vitamins like vitamin K and antioxidants.
Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil
These are low-calorie, heart-healthy options. They offer benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
Ripe Peach
Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C. They help improve your immune system and skin health.
This Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad is a tasty and nutritious choice, offering a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates while keeping the calorie count low.
Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides answers to common questions about making a Peach Basil Mozzarella Salad. Learn about ingredient substitutions, storage tips, and preparation techniques.
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh peaches?
Fresh peaches are best for their flavor and texture. If fresh peaches are unavailable, you can use canned peaches (drained well) or frozen peaches (thawed and patted dry).
Can I use flavored olive oil?
Yes, you can use flavored olive oils like lemon-infused or basil-infused olive oil to add extra flavor to your salad.
What type of mozzarella should I use?
Fresh mozzarella, such as mozzarella balls (bocconcini), mozzarella pearls, or a large ball of fresh mozzarella torn into bite-sized pieces, is ideal for this salad.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with burrata, feta, or goat cheese for a different taste.
How do I ensure the basil stays fresh?
Keep basil fresh by storing it in a glass of water at room temperature, like a bouquet. You can also refrigerate it wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag.
What can I use instead of basil?
If you don't have basil, you can use fresh mint, arugula, or even fresh thyme leaves for a different flavor.
How do I make balsamic glaze at home?
Simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool before using.
How do you make a balsamic reduction for a peach basil mozzarella salad?
To make a balsamic reduction, bring balsamic vinegar to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and syrupy. Cool before dressing the salad.
Can I use lemon juice instead of balsamic glaze?
Yes, lemon juice can replace balsamic glaze for a brighter, more acidic taste.
How to grill peaches for a salad without them becoming too soft?
Grill peach slices for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat. Remove them before they become too soft to keep their texture.
How do I prevent the peaches from browning?
To prevent browning, toss sliced peaches with lemon juice immediately after cutting them.
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