Name: Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and leaves chopped; 2 ripe peaches, sliced; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional); 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice or balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; Salt and pepper to taste

This Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad is a fresh, colorful dish that celebrates the best flavors of the season. Juicy peaches, sweet blueberries, hearty kale, and a light vinaigrette come together to create a refreshing salad that’s perfect as a side or a light meal on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad combines sweet and savory elements so effortlessly. The peaches and blueberries bring a natural sweetness, which balances beautifully with the slightly bitter kale. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and just feels like summer in every bite. Plus, it’s quick to make and doesn’t require turning on the stove, which is ideal for hot days.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
Ripe peaches, sliced
Fresh blueberries
Feta cheese, crumbled
Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional for crunch)
Red onion, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
Honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

directions

I start by washing the kale and removing the tough stems. Then I chop the leaves and massage them with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt until they soften.
In a large bowl, I combine the kale with the sliced peaches, blueberries, red onion, and feta cheese.
For the dressing, I whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar), honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
I drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine.
Just before serving, I like to sprinkle some almonds or walnuts on top for a bit of crunch.

Servings and timing

This salad serves 4 people as a side dish or 2 as a main. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it a quick and easy choice for busy summer days.

Variations

I sometimes add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a more filling meal. Goat cheese works well as a substitute for feta if I want a creamier texture. I’ve also swapped out the peaches for nectarines or even mango slices when I feel like mixing things up. For extra protein, I occasionally throw in some cooked quinoa or chickpeas.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I usually keep the dressing separate if I know I’ll be saving some for later to prevent the kale from getting too soggy. This salad isn’t ideal for reheating since it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I make kale less bitter?

I massage the kale with olive oil and a little salt for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients. This helps to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

I recommend sticking with fresh fruit for the best texture, but if I only have frozen, I thaw and drain it well before using.

What other dressings work with this salad?

A honey mustard vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing also pairs really well with the fruit and kale mix.

Is this salad vegan?

It can be! I just skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the ingredients ahead and store them separately. I assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.

Conclusion

This Summer Peach and Blueberry Kale Salad is one of my go-to dishes when I want something light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. It’s quick to put together, full of seasonal goodness, and easy to customize. Whether I serve it at a picnic, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as a light lunch, it always feels like a bright, delicious celebration of summer.