This delightful and refreshing peach and escarole salad is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. The freshness of the peach complements the slightly bitter escarole, while the goat cheese adds a creamy texture. Top it off with crunchy walnuts for a salad that's not only delicious but also pleasing to the eye.
Escarole is a type of endive but is not as bitter and has broader, paler leaves. It might not be a staple in every kitchen, but its unique taste and texture make it worth seeking out. If you can't find it at your local supermarket, feel free to substitute it with another leafy green like romaine lettuce or spinach.
Ingredients for Peach and Escarole Salad
Olive oil: A cornerstone of many dressing recipes, it adds a smooth, rich flavor.
Rice vinegar: It provides sweetness and acidity, perfect for balancing the salad dressing.
Sherry vinegar: A slightly sweet and tangy vinegar that enhances the overall taste of the dressing.
Mayonnaise: It gives the dressing a creamy consistency and adds a hint of tanginess.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that intensify the other flavors.
Escarole: A slightly bitter green that adds texture and a unique flavor to the salad.
Peach: The star of the show, adding a fresh, sweet element to the salad.
Goat cheese: Soft and creamy, it pairs well with the sweetness of the peach and the bitterness of the escarole.
Walnuts: They add a nice crunch and a hint of earthiness.
One reader, Dita Engel says:
The peach and escarole salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the peach perfectly complements the slight bitterness of the escarole, while the creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts add a satisfying contrast. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Techniques Required for Making Peach and Escarole Salad
How to prepare the vinaigrette: Whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, sherry vinegar, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
How to assemble the salad: Place the escarole, peach slices, goat cheese, and walnuts in a large bowl. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
How To Make Peach and Escarole Salad
This peach and escarole salad is the perfect mixture of sweetness and bitterness in one healthy meal. Tick off the bitterness of escarole with sherry.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1tbsprice vinegar
- 1tbspsherry vinegar
- 1tspmayonnaise
- salt and ground black pepper,to taste
- 1head escarole,small, cut into 1-inch ribbons
- 1peach,sliced
- 4ozgoat cheese,crumbled
- ½cupwalnuts,toasted
Instructions
-
Whisk olive oil, rice vinegar, sherry vinegar, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
-
Place escarole, peach slices, goat cheese, and walnuts in a large bowl. Drizzle in vinegar mixture and toss to coat.
Nutrition
- Calories: 110.24kcal
- Fat: 9.40g
- Saturated Fat: 3.50g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.12g
- Carbohydrates: 2.96g
- Fiber: 0.73g
- Sugar: 2.15g
- Protein: 3.88g
- Cholesterol: 9.01mg
- Sodium: 148.96mg
- Calcium: 31.22mg
- Potassium: 76.23mg
- Iron: 0.50mg
- Vitamin A: 58.66µg
- Vitamin C: 1.94mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Peach and Escarole Salad
When preparing the peach for the salad, it's best to slice it thinly. This not only makes it easier to eat, but also allows the peach to better absorb the flavors of the dressing. Additionally, toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad can enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch. Just be sure to let them cool before adding to the salad to avoid wilting the escarole.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and wash the escarole and store it in an airtight container. Slice the peach and store it separately to prevent browning. This will save time when assembling the salad.
Multi-task: While the escarole is soaking in cold water, toast the walnuts in the oven. This way, you can accomplish two tasks simultaneously.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe. This will prevent last-minute searches and save time during the cooking process.
Efficient chopping: Use a sharp knife to efficiently chop the escarole and peach, ensuring uniform pieces and saving time during preparation.
Quick assembly: Have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go, so when it's time to assemble the salad, it can be done quickly and efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For Peach and Escarole Salad Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
rice vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a slightly milder flavor compared to rice vinegar and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
sherry vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a slightly sweet and fruity flavor similar to sherry vinegar, making it a good substitute for this recipe.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, while also adding a boost of protein to the dish.
escarole - Substitute with frisée lettuce: Frisée lettuce has a slightly bitter flavor and a similar texture to escarole, making it a suitable substitute for this salad recipe.
peach - Substitute with nectarine: Nectarines have a similar sweet and juicy flavor to peaches, and can be used as a substitute in this salad recipe.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese offers a tangy and salty flavor similar to goat cheese, making it a suitable substitute for this salad.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar rich and nutty flavor to walnuts, and can be used as a substitute in this salad recipe.
Presentation Ideas for a Stunning Peach and Escarole Salad
Elevate the salad with a stunning presentation: Arrange the escarole leaves in a delicate, artful manner, creating a visually appealing base for the other ingredients.
Highlight the peach slices: Artfully place the peach slices on top of the escarole, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish. Their vibrant color and natural beauty will captivate the judges' attention.
Incorporate goat cheese with finesse: Crumble the goat cheese over the salad in an elegant and refined manner, ensuring it is evenly distributed and adds a touch of creaminess to each bite.
Add a touch of sophistication with walnuts: Sprinkle the walnuts strategically over the salad, creating a balanced and visually appealing texture that adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Drizzle the dressing with precision: Use a steady hand to drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring each component is lightly coated with the flavorful dressing without overwhelming the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Peach and Escarole Salad
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, typically in a bowl.
- Large bowl: A container used for mixing and tossing ingredients, especially in larger quantities.
- Small bowl: A smaller-sized container used for mixing and preparing smaller amounts of ingredients.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food, typically for salads or appetizers.
- Knife: A sharp utensil used for slicing and cutting ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, and cheese.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients, providing a safe and stable surface.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used for accurately measuring small amounts of liquid or dry ingredients.
- Measuring cup: A container used for measuring and pouring liquid or dry ingredients in specific quantities.
- Salad tongs: Utensils designed for tossing and serving salads, providing a convenient way to handle and mix the ingredients.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Peach and Escarole Salad
This salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The escarole may wilt slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can store the dressing separately in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake before using.
The peaches and goat cheese can also be prepped ahead of time and stored in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wait to slice the peaches until just before serving to prevent browning.
It's not recommended to freeze this salad as the escarole and peaches will become mushy and lose their texture when thawed. The goat cheese may also change in consistency after being frozen.
If you have extra walnuts, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.
Interesting Trivia About Peach and Escarole Salad
Escarole is a type of leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and K, folate, and fiber. It adds a delicious crunch and a slightly bitter flavor to salads, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes.
Is Making Peach and Escarole Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this peach and escarole salad recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. Escarole and peaches are generally affordable, while goat cheese and walnuts can be pricier. However, the health benefits and flavor profile make it a worthwhile investment. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering the nutritional value, taste, and ease of preparation.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The peach and escarole salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of nutrients from various ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the health aspects:
- Escarole is a nutrient-dense leafy green, providing fiber, vitamins (A, C, and K), and minerals (folate and iron).
- Peaches are a good source of fiber, vitamins (A and C), and antioxidants, which support overall health.
- Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Walnuts offer healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus.
- Goat cheese provides protein and calcium, but it's also high in saturated fat and sodium.
However, the recipe also includes mayonnaise, which is high in saturated fat and calories. The dressing may also be high in sodium, depending on the amount of salt added.
To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of goat cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Use a low-fat or Greek yogurt-based dressing instead of mayonnaise to lower the calorie and fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Add more variety of fruits and vegetables to increase the nutrient density of the salad. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or berries for added flavor and nutrition.
- Experiment with different types of nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to provide a variety of healthy fats and minerals.
- Use whole grain croutons or quinoa for an extra boost of fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Editor's Opinion on the Delightful Peach and Escarole Salad
This peach and escarole salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispness of the escarole, the sweetness of the peach, the creaminess of the goat cheese, and the crunch of the walnuts create a harmonious balance. The vinaigrette adds a tangy and refreshing note to tie everything together. It's a perfect dish for a light and refreshing summer meal.
Enhance Your Peach and Escarole Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Peach and Escarole Salad
Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Peach and Escarole Salad
Why trust this Peach and Escarole Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a refreshing and satisfying choice for any occasion. The use of fresh peach and escarole ensures a vibrant and nutritious dish, while the creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts add depth and contrast. The dressing, made with olive oil, rice vinegar, and sherry vinegar, provides a perfect balance of tanginess and richness. Trust in the quality and harmony of these ingredients to create a memorable and delicious salad experience.
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