The Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is a fresh, vibrant salad that truly celebrates summer’s best flavors. Whenever peaches are at their peak, I love putting this salad together for a bright, easy lunch or a stunning side dish at dinner. You’ll notice how the sweetness of the peaches perfectly balances the creaminess of mozzarella, the peppery zing of basil, and the tangy depth of balsamic glaze. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and light at the same time.
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Why You’ll Love This
I’m always drawn to recipes that feel special but come together without fuss. This Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe nails that perfectly — fresh, simple ingredients become something truly elevated.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The creaminess of fresh mozzarella contrasts beautifully with juicy peaches and crunchy toasted walnuts.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Toasting the walnuts brings out a warm, nutty aroma that enhances every bite.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Most of these staples like balsamic glaze and feta are easy to keep around and elevate any salad.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: You can whip this up quickly yet serve it to guests without skipping a beat.
Ingredient Snapshot
Choosing ripe, juicy peaches and creamy mozzarella is the foundation here. Remember, the fresher your basil and greens, the brighter the overall salad will taste. Let’s quickly glance at how to pick the best ingredients.
- Ripe Peaches: Look for peaches that yield slightly when pressed and have a fragrant aroma—they’ll be juicy and sweet.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Soft and milky mozzarella shines best when fresh; avoid the pre-shredded kind for this recipe.
- Arugula or Mixed Greens: Peppery arugula adds a nice bite; if you prefer milder, mix with baby spinach or butter lettuce.
- Walnuts: Toast them lightly to unlock deep flavor and a toasty crunch.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds salty tang—choose a creamy version for balance.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Tear gently to release the herbal aroma without bruising too much.
- Balsamic Glaze: A thick, syrupy balsamic glaze is sweeter and richer than plain balsamic vinegar.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
Start by washing and slicing your peaches. Removing the pits carefully will keep the juicy wedges intact and prevent any bitterness from the pit. Then halve the mozzarella balls and prepare your greens by giving the arugula or mixed greens a good rinse and spin dry. I find that gently tearing the basil leaves (rather than chopping) helps preserve their bright aroma. Gather everything in your salad bowl but hold off on adding the glaze or salt until the end — you want each flavor to shine clearly.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
The big flavor boost here comes from toasting the walnuts. I like to do this in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, just until they smell fragrant and turn a golden brown color—about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as nuts can go from toasted to burnt quickly. Once toasted, add the walnuts along with the mozzarella, peaches, feta, and torn basil to the bowl. A quick toss at this stage keeps flavors integrated before the glaze goes in.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the salad and season lightly with salt and cracked pepper. Toss gently to combine without bruising the peaches or greens. I like to chill the salad in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes after tossing—it lets the juices mingle and the balsamic glaze soften its syrupy sweetness, creating a cohesive taste experience. When you serve it, you’ll notice a harmony between creamy, sweet, tangy, and peppery elements.
Smart Little Tips
After making this Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe several times, I’ve learned that delicate handling and timing make all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Doneness Cue: Watch for walnuts turning golden and smelling toasty; this means your nuts are perfectly toasted.
- Temperature Trick: Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry beautifully.
- Make-Ahead Move: Toast nuts and slice peaches up to a day ahead; just combine everything last minute for best freshness.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t overdress or over-toss; you want to keep distinct textures and avoid mushy fruit.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
For this Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe, the final balsamic drizzle acts like a glossy varnish, tying all the textures together. I sometimes add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or an extra tear of basil leaves on top before serving. The salty-sweet finish really brings out the best in those juicy peaches and creamy cheese, making every bite feel special.
Pair It With
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner, or alongside crusty bread spread with herbed butter. For a vegetarian option, try serving it with a warm quinoa pilaf or roasted vegetables to add heartiness without overpowering the delicate salad flavors.
Easy Plating Upgrades
Arrange the salad on a wide, shallow bowl or platter to show off the vibrant colors. Scatter extra walnuts and a few whole basil leaves on top for visual appeal. If you want to impress, drizzle additional balsamic glaze in a thin zigzag pattern across the plate’s edge for a professional touch. It takes just moments but elevates presentation instantly.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 2 days, though I recommend eating it sooner to enjoy the peaches before they start to soften too much. The walnuts can lose some crunch but remain tasty.
Freezing Tips
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh peaches and greens will lose their texture when thawed. The mozzarella and nuts also fare better fresh. Instead, try prepping components individually if you want to save time.
Reheating Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe Without Drying Out
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a slightly warmer version, briefly bring to room temperature before serving, but avoid microwaving or heating in an oven to keep textures fresh and vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh peaches offer the best sweetness and texture here. Canned peaches tend to be softer and less flavorful, which might make the salad mushy and less vibrant. If fresh isn’t available, try well-drained, high-quality canned peaches chilled first.
A good-quality balsamic vinegar mixed with a small drizzle of honey can mimic the glaze’s sweetness and tang. Reduce it slightly in a pan to thicken, or just use plain balsamic for a lighter finish.
You can prep peaches sliced and nuts toasted a day ahead, but I recommend mixing and dressing the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp and peaches at their freshest.
Absolutely! You could add sliced cucumbers for crunch, or berries for extra sweetness. Just keep the balance light to preserve the salad’s fresh, summery character.
Final Thoughts
This Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feel so much more when made with care. The fresh peaches make every bite juicy and sweet, balanced by creamy cheese and the herbal brightness of basil. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s true seasonal magic on a plate that’s perfect for lazy summer days or dinner parties alike.
PrintPrint Recipe
Millionaire Peach Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Glaze Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Millionaire Peach Salad featuring ripe peaches, fresh mozzarella, peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, tangy feta, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light lunch or elegant appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 pieces ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 cup arugula or mixed greens
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Peaches: Wash the peaches thoroughly, cut them in half, remove the pits, and slice each half into thin wedges for easy mixing and serving.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the sliced peaches, halved mozzarella balls, arugula or mixed greens, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and torn basil leaves. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Drizzle & Season: Pour the balsamic glaze over the salad ingredients. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients with the glaze and seasoning without bruising the fruit or greens.
- Chill: Place the salad in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop a refreshing taste.
- Serve: Remove the salad from the refrigerator and serve immediately, either plated individually or straight from the bowl for a casual presentation.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the walnuts before chopping.
- Use ripe but firm peaches to keep slices intact and juicy.
- Balsamic glaze can be substituted with a balsamic reduction or good quality balsamic vinegar if glaze is unavailable.
- This salad is best served fresh; consume within a few hours for optimal taste and texture.
- Add a drizzle of honey if you desire a sweeter salad variant.
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