Summer Salad Recipe - Peaches, Tomatoes & Zesty Vinaigrette

When summer hits, there's nothing quite like a fresh, vibrant salad that brings all the best flavors together. This Ultimate Summer Salad recipe is exactly that – a dish designed to be the star of your weeknight dinner, the hero of your next cookout, or the most talked-about potluck contribution. It’s "ultimate" because it perfectly balances sweet, tangy, salty, and crunchy in every single bite. Get ready for juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, crisp greens, and a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette that will make your taste buds sing. It's so simple to make, you'll wonder where this easy summer salad recipe has been all your life!

Ingredients

• For the quick-pickled red onion
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the cilantro-lime vinaigrette
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (plus extra for serving, if desired)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• For the salad
• 6 cups butter lettuce or other tender greens (like spring mix or gem lettuce)
• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup pepitas (roasted pumpkin seeds)

Directions

1. Quick-pickle the onion (15 minutes) In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Toss well to coat. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad. The onions are ready when they've softened slightly and turned a brighter pink, losing their harsh raw bite.
2. Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette Step-by-Step Instructions
3. Make the dressing (shake or whisk) In a small bowl or jar, combine the lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the salt and sugar dissolve. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking or shaking until the dressing is emulsified and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning; it should be a little punchy before it hits the greens!
4. Salad Assembly Step-by-Step Instructions
5. Prep the produce Wash and thoroughly dry your lettuce (a salad spinner is your best friend here!). Slice your cucumber, halve your cherry tomatoes, and slice your ripe peaches. To avoid a watery salad, gently pat the halved tomatoes dry with a paper towel if they seem particularly juicy. Cut all ingredients into bite-sized pieces so every forkful feels balanced.
6. Assemble + dress In a large salad bowl, gently combine the butter lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced peaches, and quick-pickled red onions (drain any excess liquid from the onions first). Drizzle a small amount of the cilantro-lime vinaigrette over the salad – start with about half. Toss gently to coat.
7. Taste and fix (30 seconds) Take a bite! Does it need more salt? Add a pinch. More tang? A little more lime juice or dressing. Too sharp? A tiny bit more sugar. Needs crunch? Add more pepitas. Adjust to your preference, then add the crumbled feta and pepitas, tossing lightly one last time. Serve immediately.