Name: Millionaire Peach Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 peaches, pitted and sliced; 1 cup, halved; 1 cup, for a peppery bite; 1/2 cup, toasted and chopped; 1/4 cup, crumbled; 1/4 cup, torn; 1/4 cup, for drizzling; To taste

There’s something simply irresistible about a bowl of Millionaire Peach Salad. Picture juicy, sun-ripened peaches and creamy mozzarella coming together with peppery greens, toasted walnuts, tangy feta, and a shimmer of balsamic glaze. Every bite is an explosion of flavor, color, and texture that feels both luxurious and totally refreshing—it’s the kind of dish that makes summer meals genuinely memorable! Whether you’re a peach lover or just someone looking to dazzle at your next lunch or dinner, this Millionaire Peach Salad might just become your go-to warm weather favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Millionaire Peach Salad is all about fresh, quality ingredients, and the best part? You don’t need anything too fancy or complicated. Each component brings its own unique zing to the bowl—a blend of sweetness, crunch, creaminess, and brightness that makes this salad unforgettable.

Ripe peaches: Choose fragrant, firm peaches for the juiciest flavor. Slicing them into wedges makes every bite tender and sweet.
Fresh mozzarella balls: These add a creamy richness—halve them for a better bite-size experience and to soak up all the flavors.
Arugula or mixed greens: Go for arugula if you like a hint of pepper, or use your favorite greens for a milder bite.
Walnuts: Toast and chop them for extra crunch and a warm, nutty undertone.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings a salty, tangy contrast that livens up the sweetness of the peaches.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn basil leaves offer an aromatic, summery fragrance that ties all the flavors together.
Balsamic glaze: Sweet, thick, and tangy—drizzle this on for a beautiful finish.
Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to enhance the flavors.
Pepper: Cracked fresh for a final dash of depth and a little kick.

How to Make Millionaire Peach Salad

Step 1: Slice the Peaches

Start by washing the peaches under cool running water. After patting them dry, cut each peach in half and remove the pits. Slice the halves into even wedges—aim for juicy, generous pieces so they don’t get lost in the salad. This simple step sets the stage for the salad’s starring ingredient!

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

Grab your large salad bowl and combine the sliced peaches, halved mozzarella balls, and your chosen greens. Mixing these together first helps distribute everything evenly. The greens act as a textured base, while the peaches and mozzarella make each forkful luscious and bright.

Step 3: Add Crunch and Flavor

Sprinkle in the toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and gently torn basil leaves. Toasting the walnuts beforehand boosts their nutty flavor, and tearing the basil (instead of chopping) keeps its aroma fresh and vibrant. This layer is where the Millionaire Peach Salad really starts to build character!

Step 4: Dress & Season

Next, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the whole bowl. Top it off with a little salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. The balsamic glaze unites sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one beautiful ribbon—just don’t overdo it, as it’s wonderfully bold.

Step 5: Toss Gently and Chill

Using a large spoon or your hands, very gently toss the salad to blend everything together. You want those peaches to stay plump and the mozzarella to hold its shape. Pop the salad in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving—this quick chill lets the flavors meld and makes the Millionaire Peach Salad extra refreshing!

How to Serve Millionaire Peach Salad

Garnishes

Brighten up each serving with a few extra fresh basil leaves, an extra sprinkle of feta, or even a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. If you want to get fancy, try a few thin slices of peach arranged on top as a show-stopping garnish for that “millionaire” look!

Side Dishes

Millionaire Peach Salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, crusty artisan bread, or a light pasta. It also shines alongside summer favorites like grilled corn or a chilled gazpacho—basically, anything fresh and casual is a perfect match.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your salad into chic individual servings by piling it into small mason jars or stemless wine glasses. Or, serve it family-style on a rustic wooden platter for a dramatic centerpiece. For picnics, layer the ingredients in portable containers to make the ultimate gourmet grab-and-go treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s rare!), scoop the remaining Millionaire Peach Salad into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to a day, although the peaches may soften and release a bit of juice. For best texture, store any dressing or balsamic glaze separately if you know you’ll have extra.

Freezing

Millionaire Peach Salad isn’t ideal for freezing, since the peaches and greens won’t keep their texture after thawing. Freezing can make the peaches mushy and the greens limp, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh when the flavors and textures are at their peak.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. If you’ve stored leftovers, just give them a gentle toss and let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to bring the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

You can substitute canned peaches if you’re in a pinch, but fresh peaches really are the key to Millionaire Peach Salad’s vibrant flavor and texture. If you do use canned, drain them well and choose ones packed in juice, not syrup. Frozen peaches work in a bind, but they’ll be much softer once thawed.

What protein works well with Millionaire Peach Salad?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon turns the salad into a hearty meal. The sweet and savory combination pairs especially well with mildly seasoned proteins—just keep things simple to let the salad shine.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?

Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the mozzarella and feta altogether. Add extra nuts or sliced avocado for that creamy, satisfying bite.

What can I use if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

Regular balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or maple syrup makes a quick, tasty stand-in. Simmering balsamic vinegar on the stovetop until it thickens is another easy way to create that signature drizzle at home.

Can I make Millionaire Peach Salad in advance?

You can prep everything except the peaches up to a day ahead—store the cheese, nuts, basil, and greens separately. Slice and add the peaches just before serving to keep the salad at its freshest and prettiest.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that truly tastes like summer in a bowl, you can’t go wrong with Millionaire Peach Salad. It’s unbelievably easy, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser—so go on, give it a try and share a little peachy joy with your friends and family!

Millionaire Peach Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.2 from 16 reviews

A refreshing summer salad featuring juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze. This Millionaire Peach Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Appetizer, Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American, Southern
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Ripe Peaches:

4 peaches, pitted and sliced

Fresh Mozzarella Balls:

1 cup, halved

Arugula or Mixed Greens:

1 cup, for a peppery bite

Walnuts:

1/2 cup, toasted and chopped

Feta Cheese:

1/4 cup, crumbled

Fresh Basil Leaves:

1/4 cup, torn

Balsamic Glaze:

1/4 cup, for drizzling

Salt and Pepper:

To taste

Instructions

Prepare the Peaches: Wash the peaches, remove pits, and slice into wedges.
Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix peaches, mozzarella, and greens.
Add Extras: Toss in walnuts, feta, and basil.
Drizzle and Season: Add balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper to taste.
Toss and Chill: Gently combine all ingredients and chill for 10-15 minutes.
Serve: Portion onto plates or serve from the bowl.

Notes

The Millionaire Peach Salad is versatile and can be customized with seasonal fruits and alternative ingredients to suit different dietary preferences.