TOMATO AND WARM PEACH SUMMER SALAD RECIPE
What comes to mind when you think of summer? Sea and sand? A mocktail by the pool? Or perhaps the word “summer” conjures images of bustling farmer's markets brimming with juicy, vibrant fruits and vegetables—nature’s gifts on those sun-soaked days.
To me summer wouldn’t be summer without plump, ripe tomatoes bursting with flavour, and sweet peaches that quench our thirst and satisfy our sweet tooth with just one messy, juicy bite! Whoever first thought of combining these two in a salad is quite simply a genius!
Now I am sure a version of tomato, peach and fresh mozzarella salad has popped up on your feed at least a few times over the past few years, am I right? For me it’s actually the fruit combination that makes this salad so wonderful, so leaving out the mozzarella takes nothing away from it and instead lets the flavours of the tomatoes and peaches shine. Sure, you can always substitute it with a vegan version of the cheese which will give it a hit of creaminess, but hear me out… Why not try sautéing the peaches and add another texture and flavour profile by introducing fresh warm corn to the salad too?!
Warm, slightly charred peaches are a revelation. Their caramelized surfaces and intensified sweetness make them taste almost like they’ve been dipped in syrup. It might sound like I’m describing a dessert, and honestly, feel free to enjoy them that way. But if you’re up for trying new and exciting salad combinations this year, make this tomato and warn peach salad your first stop.
Ripe, juicy, sweet but also slightly acidic and earthy tomatoes, well, they need no introduction, and just a drizzle of excellent extra virgin olive oil is enough to turn them into a tasty summer salad. Pairing them with the sweet warm peaches though!? It highlights their umami flavour and just takes everything to the next level. Sweet and savoury at its best.
As mentioned above, I have also added warm sweetcorn to this delicious, healthy salad, as it’s another summer produce I enjoy often and it really goes well with the flavours in today’s salad. It’s simply prepared using the same frying pan as the peaches, for ease and for less washing up! Frozen corn would be an acceptable alternative if you can’t source fresh ears. If you do find fresh corn and you’re not sure how to use it up, have a look at this blog post here with some ideas on how to cook it without a grill.
Just a couple more ingredients and the salad is complete. Some greens for extra goodness and a touch more “earthiness” (I used microgreens because I love that they don’t overpower the other flavours in this salad whilst still adding flavour) and some berries for a little sharpness. The tang of the redcurrants I used was perfect and balanced the flavours out beautifully!
So, let’s hold on to summer for a little bit longer through our cooking and make this summer salad today!
As always, if you make this recipe, please don’t forget to tag @thelittleplantation! I love to see your creations!
You can find a full instructional video of this recipe on TikTok, just head HERE.
TOMATO AND WARM PEACH SUMMER SALAD RECIPE
Today’s tomato and peach salad recipe was inspired by this one by Food52.
Preparation time: 12-15 minutes
Serves: 6-8 as a side dish
INGREDIENTS FOR TOMATO AND WARM PEACH SALAD RECIPE
600g mixed heirloom tomatoes and/or cherry tomatoes, washed and halved, quartered or sliced
1 peach washed, pitted and sliced
1 ear fresh sweetcorn, leaves peeled away
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
handful of washed berries, optional (I used redcurrants as they are in peak season)
small handful of greens (I used microgreens)
ingredients for salad dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp maple syrup
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS
Set the cut tomatoes aside. Warm a frying pan over a medium heat, add the olive oil and the peach slices. Pan fry on both sides until golden brown. Remove the peaches and set aside.
Remove the sweetcorn kernels from the cob with a sharp knife and add them to the already heated pan. Pan fry for 5 minutes or until the kernels start to brown. Then remove them from the heat.
Place the tomatoes, warm peaches, corn kernels, and any additional fruit(s) and greens you're using on a platter. Sprinkle over some salt and pepper to taste.
Put the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and mix together. Pour the dressing over the salad and enjoy!
P.S. Looking for more tomato recipes? Why not try my easy strawberry and tomato salsa, this easy make ahead tomato salad, or my vegan tomato and red pepper soup.