Give me any excuse to mix my favorite spring and summer flavors into one bowl, and I’m there. This Peach Fennel Salad Recipe has become a favorite when ripe, juicy peaches are at their peak. The crisp fennel, sweet peaches, salty ricotta salata, and a hint of heat from the hot honey peach nectar dressing make this summer salad fresh, vibrant, and unforgettable.
Before the fall breeze moves in, I make it a goal to load up on as much summer produce as I can get my hands on. Peaches are honestly one of my favorite fruits. Sure, you can buy them canned or frozen, but it’s just not the same. There’s something about the flavor and texture of a perfectly ripe peach that you can’t replicate. On this salad, they’re the sweet element that everything else plays off of.
Because peaches are sweet and not as bold as some other fruits, I wanted to bring in flavors that would round out the salad without stealing the show. For a filling, protein-packed base, I used cooked farro — mild enough to let the other ingredients shine. Ricotta salata adds those salty pops in every bite, and the pumpkin seeds bring that much-needed crunch factor. But the real stars are still the peach and fennel. That light licorice note from the fennel just wraps around the fuzzy sweetness of the peach in the best way. Everything else is there to support them. And then there’s the dressing — peach nectar and hot honey come together for a sweet-spicy kick that pulls the whole thing together and makes every bite pop.
Outside of being delicious and able to win over even the pickiest eaters, it’s a total stunner. I mean, just look at it — this salad practically screams summertime.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Peach Fennel Salad Recipe — simple, fresh ingredients that come together for the perfect summer bite.
- Romaine Lettuce
- Peaches
- Fennel
- Cooked Farro
- Ricotta Salata
- Pumpkin Seeds
See recipe card for quantities.
❓Can I Make This Peach Fennel Salad Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep most of this salad in advance to save time. Cook and chill the farro, slice the fennel, and make the hot honey peach nectar dressing up to a day ahead. Store each component separately in the fridge. Just before serving, slice the peaches, assemble the salad, and toss with the dressing to keep the peaches fresh and the greens crisp.
Peach Fennel Salad Recipe – A Fresh Take on Summer Salad Recipes for BBQs, Picnics, and Farm-Fresh Gatherings
Looking for summer salad recipes that impress at every gathering? This Peach Fennel Salad Recipe is perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and backyard parties. It’s a farm-fresh favorite that uses the best of the season — from sweet, tree-ripened peaches to crisp fennel and tender greens. Topped with farro, ricotta salata, and a hot honey peach nectar dressing, it’s a colorful, flavorful dish that’s easy to make ahead and always a crowd-pleaser.
Storage
For the freshest flavor and texture, store each component of this Peach Fennel Salad Recipe separately. Keep the cooked farro, sliced fennel, and ricotta salata in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The hot honey peach nectar dressing can be made ahead and stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Slice the peaches and assemble the salad just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and the greens crisp.
Related
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Pairing
Sip, crunch, repeat! This fresh and flavorful Summer Peach Fennel Salad pairs perfectly with these refreshing drinks to keep the good vibes going.
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📖 Recipe
Summer Peach Fennel Salad with Farro & Hot Honey Peach Nectar Dressing
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce about 2 medium heads
- 1 medium fennel bulb thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked farro about 1 cup dry
- 4 -5 ripe peaches sliced or diced
- 1 cup ricotta salata crumbled
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds raw or toasted
Realest Real Creamy + Spicy Peach Dressing 🍑
- 6 tablespoon peach nectar
- 2 tablespoon hot honey
- 2 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
Peach Fennel Salad
- Cook the farro. Prepare farro according to package directions. Drain and let cool completely.
- Add chopped romaine to a large serving bowl or platter.
- Scatter shaved fennel and cooled farro over the lettuce.
- Arrange peach slices evenly across the salad.
- Sprinkle with ricotta salata crumbles.
- Top with pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Drizzle with hot honey peach dressing just before serving, tossing lightly if desired.
Realest Real Creamy + Spicy Peach Dressing 🍑
- In a jar or bowl, add all dressing ingredients. Shake or whisk until fully emulsified. Yields 1 cup.
nik j says
amazing flavors