Light and Refreshing Peach Arugula Salad Recipe

A good salad should brighten a meal, and this peach arugula salad does exactly that. Sweet juicy peaches, peppery arugula, creamy mozzarella, and crisp cucumbers come together with a simple lemon honey dressing that adds gentle sweetness and fresh citrus aroma. It celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients, especially ripe peaches that pair perfectly with the bold flavor of arugula. The best part is how quickly it comes together. With just a bit of slicing and tossing, you can create a dish that tastes restaurant worthy. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or a summer brunch, this salad feels light, colorful, and refreshingly satisfying.

Ingredients Needed

Below is the complete list of ingredients needed for this peach arugula salad. All measurements are exact so you can follow the recipe with confidence.

For the Salad

• 4 cups fresh arugula
• 2 large ripe peaches, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 1⁄2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the ingredients

Rinse and dry the arugula, then place it in a large bowl. Slice the peaches, cucumber, and red onion, keeping the pieces thin and neat. Add them to the bowl, then top with mozzarella pearls and a sprinkle of chopped mint.

Mix the dressing

Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk until smooth and glossy.

Dress the salad

Slowly pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently with your hands or two spoons. Lift from the bottom so everything gets lightly coated without crushing the peaches or bruising the arugula.

Taste and adjust

Before serving, taste a piece of peach and arugula together. Add a splash of lemon for more brightness or a little extra honey for more sweetness. The salad adjusts easily to your taste..

Serve immediately

This salad is best enjoyed right after you dress it. The arugula stays crisp, the peaches remain juicy, and the flavors feel vibrant. If you must prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until the moment you are ready to serve.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This salad is easy to personalize. Add sliced grilled chicken or seared salmon for a heartier meal, or sprinkle toasted almonds or pistachios for extra crunch. Swap the mint for fresh basil if you prefer a sweeter herbal note, or mix in a handful of baby spinach for added depth. When peaches are not in season, use nectarines, plums, or even berries. You can also replace the mozzarella with feta for a salty contrast or whisk a spoon of Greek yogurt into the dressing for a richer, creamier finish.

Nutritional Information

This salad is naturally light and wholesome, and each serving contains about two hundred to two hundred and thirty calories, with most of the energy coming from olive oil and the natural sweetness of the peaches. It provides moderate heart supportive fats, around twenty five grams of carbohydrates, and six to eight grams of protein depending on how much mozzarella you use. The fruit and greens add gentle fiber, and the sodium stays low unless you include saltier additions like feta. These values may vary slightly based on ingredient brands or added toppings.

Serving Suggestions

This peach arugula salad pairs easily with many meals and works well as a fresh side for grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables. It also looks beautiful on a brunch table, especially when arranged in a large bowl with extra mint and small sides like nuts or cheese for guests to customize. For a light lunch, enjoy it on its own with crusty bread or add grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or roasted chickpeas to make it more filling. It is also great for picnics since the ingredients can be prepped ahead and quickly assembled just before serving, keeping the salad crisp, sweet, and refreshing.

Frequently Asked Questions