This Peach and Nectarine Greek Salad brings together the best of summer in one stunning bowl. Juicy peach and nectarine slices are tossed with crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and fresh mint and basil, all dressed in a bright lemon-oregano vinaigrette. It comes together in just 15 minutes with zero cooking required, making it the perfect warm-weather side dish or light lunch that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Large salad bowl Wide enough to toss all ingredients without spillage
Sharp chef's knife Essential for slicing stone fruit cleanly without bruising
Cutting board
Small mixing bowl or mason jar For whisking or shaking the dressing
Whisk or fork For emulsifying the dressing
Measuring spoons
Citrus juicer or reamer To extract all the juice from the lemon
Salad tongs For gently tossing without breaking up the fruit slices
Ingredients
For the Salad
2ripe peachespitted and sliced into wedges; about 1/2-inch thick
2ripe nectarinespitted and sliced into wedges; about 1/2-inch thick
1English cucumberhalved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons, about 1/4-inch thick
1cupcherry tomatoesabout 150g, halved
1/2small red onionthinly sliced; soak in cold water 5 minutes to mellow sharpness if desired
1/2cupKalamata olivesabout 75g, pitted and halved
4ozblock feta cheese115g, crumbled or cut into cubes; use block feta in brine for best flavor
1/4cupfresh mint leaveslarge leaves torn in half
1/4cupfresh basil leavesgently torn
For the Dressing
3tbspextra virgin olive oiluse a high-quality cold-pressed variety for best flavor
2tbspfresh lemon juiceabout 1 lemon
1tbspred wine vinegar
1tsphoney
1/2tspdried oregano
1/4tspsaltor to taste
1/4tspfreshly ground black pepperor to taste
Instructions
Combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or sealed jar. Whisk or shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until emulsified, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
Rinse the peaches and nectarines, then slice each one in half along the natural crease, twist apart, and remove the pit. Place each half flat-side down and slice into wedges approximately 1/2-inch thick, then transfer to a large salad bowl.
Slice the cucumber into half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion as thinly as possible (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor, then drain and pat dry). Add everything to the salad bowl.
Drain the Kalamata olives and halve them if not already done, then scatter them over the salad. Crumble or cube the feta cheese and add it to the bowl.
Tear any large mint leaves in half and gently tear the basil leaves, then scatter both herbs over the salad.
Drizzle about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and gently toss with tongs or two large spoons until everything is evenly coated. Taste and add more dressing, salt, or pepper as needed.
Transfer to a serving platter or serve directly from the bowl. Arrange a few extra fruit slices on top and add a pinch more feta and fresh mint leaves for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Choose the right fruit: Use ripe but firm peaches and nectarines. Overripe fruit will turn mushy once dressed. The fruit should give slightly when pressed but still hold its shape when sliced.
Slice fruit just before serving: Cut stone fruit oxidizes and releases juice quickly. Slice your peaches and nectarines as close to serving time as possible for the freshest appearance and texture.
Use block feta: Feta sold in brine as a whole block is creamier, saltier, and far more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta. It makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.
Tame the red onion: If raw red onion is too sharp for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This removes the harsh bite while keeping the crunch.
Don't overdress: Start with three-quarters of the dressing, toss, and taste before adding more. The sweet fruit and salty feta mean the salad needs less dressing than you might expect.
Make-ahead tip: Prep all components up to 12 hours in advance and store separately in the fridge. Slice the fruit, assemble, and dress within 1 hour of serving for best results.
Storage: Dressed salad is best eaten within a few hours. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The dressing keeps separately in a sealed jar for up to 5 days.
Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or seared halloumi to turn this side salad into a satisfying main course.
Variations: Swap one stone fruit for cubed watermelon, add sliced avocado just before serving, or toss in a handful of arugula or baby spinach for a leafy base. Toasted pine nuts or walnuts also add a lovely crunch.
Vegan option: Simply omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative. The salad is still vibrant and flavorful thanks to the bold olives and fresh herbs.