Honey Lime Basil Peach Salad Recipe: A Taste of Summer
I just finished making this honey lime basil peach fruit salad, and my kitchen smells absolutely divine. It’s the essence of summer captured in a single bowl—sweet, zesty, and incredibly fresh.
The combination of juicy peaches and aromatic basil creates a flavor that’s both surprising and delightful. It’s so simple yet feels so special.
While I love a good savory dish, and you can explore our guide for a Buffalo Chicken Nuggets Recipe, sometimes a perfect fruit salad is all you need.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Having made this salad countless times for summer parties, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more spectacular.
- Grill the Peaches: For a smoky, caramelized flavor, I sometimes grill the peach halves for a few minutes on each side before dicing them. It adds a wonderful depth to the salad.
- Let It Macerate: Don’t skip the chilling time. Letting the salad sit for 30 minutes allows the peaches to release their juices and soak up the flavors of the dressing and basil. I find it tastes even better after an hour.
- Add a Little Spice: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper in the dressing can add a subtle warmth that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruit.
- Use White Peaches: While yellow peaches are classic, I love using white peaches when I can find them. They are often sweeter and have a more delicate, floral flavor.
Fun Variations to Try
This salad is a great base for experimentation. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or use up other ingredients you have on hand.
- Add More Fruit: Mix in other summer fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced mango for more color and flavor.
- Try Different Herbs: If you’re not a fan of basil, fresh mint is a fantastic substitute that gives the salad a cool, refreshing twist.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a few spoonfuls of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory, creamy element that contrasts with the sweet fruit. It’s a great way to turn this side into part of your dinner recipes.
- Nut-Free Option: This recipe is naturally nut-free. For a bit of crunch, you could add toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.
- Sharp Knife: For safely and easily slicing the peaches.
- Cutting Board: To protect your countertops while you prep the fruit and herbs.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Small Bowl and Whisk: To prepare the honey-lime dressing.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring the honey and lime juice.
How to Serve Honey Lime Basil Peach Fruit Salad
Presentation can make this simple salad feel like a gourmet dish.
- Serve it chilled in a beautiful glass bowl to show off the vibrant colors.
- Garnish with a few whole basil leaves or a sprig of fresh mint just before serving.
- For a simple dessert, spoon the salad over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a slice of pound cake. It would also be a refreshing contrast after a rich dessert like our Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe.
- It also works wonderfully as a fresh salsa over grilled chicken or fish.
Calories Count
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.
- Calories: 105
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sugar: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 3mg
How to Store the Salad
Proper storage will keep your fruit salad fresh and delicious.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Restoring: The peaches will release juice as they sit. Simply give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing before serving again.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the peaches will become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is sure to become a new summer favorite for so many reasons.
- Incredibly Easy: With no cooking required and only 10 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for any skill level.
- So Refreshing: The combination of sweet fruit, tangy lime, and fresh basil is the ultimate refreshing treat on a hot day.
- Visually Stunning: The bright colors of the peaches and basil make this a beautiful dish for any potluck or barbecue.
- Highly Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, a light dessert, or even a topping for other dishes. It’s easily customizable to your liking.
Honey Lime Basil Peach Salad Recipe
I just finished making this honey lime basil peach fruit salad, and my kitchen smells absolutely divine. It’s the essence of summer captured in a single bowl—sweet, zesty, and incredibly fresh. The combination of juicy peaches and aromatic basil creates a flavor that's both surprising and delightful.
Ingredients
Method
- First, wash your peaches thoroughly under cool water and pat them dry. Slice them into wedges or dice them into bite-sized cubes, depending on your preference. Be sure to remove and discard the pits.
- In a small bowl, combine the raw honey and freshly squeezed lime juice. Whisk them together until the honey has dissolved and the dressing is smooth and well-blended. Give it a quick taste and adjust if needed.
- Wash your fresh basil leaves and pat them dry gently. To get fine ribbons, stack the leaves, roll them up like a tiny cigar, and then slice them thinly. This technique, called a chiffonade, releases the herb’s amazing aroma.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your prepared peaches. Pour the honey-lime dressing over the top and sprinkle in the chopped basil. Gently toss everything together until each piece of peach is coated in the dressing.
- Add a small pinch of salt to the bowl and give it one last gentle stir. The salt will make the sweet and tangy flavors pop. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.