Peach Berry Mint Salad
A bright, juicy, and refreshing summer salad featuring sweet peaches, mixed berries, crisp cucumbers, and fresh mint tossed in a light honey-lime dressing. This salad is perfect for breakfast, brunch, picnics, barbecues, or a light dessert. Ready in minutes, endlessly adaptable, and visually stunning.
Time Required
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time (optional): 10–15 minutes
Total time: 10–20 minutes
Servings
Serves 4 as a side dish
Serves 2 as a larger salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 ripe peaches, thinly sliced (or 2 cups peach wedges)
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries (optional but recommended)
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
2–3 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped or torn
Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta, goat cheese, or toasted almonds
For the Honey-Lime Dressing
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp lime zest (optional but brightens flavor)
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional for depth)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the fruit
Slice peaches into thin wedges.
Slice strawberries.
Leave blueberries whole.
Gently rinse raspberries and pat dry so they don’t break.
2. Prepare the cucumber
Slice or dice it. This adds crunch and freshness.
3. Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
honey
lime juice
lime zest
vanilla
pinch of salt
Taste—add more lime if you want it tangier or more honey if you want it sweeter.
4. Combine the salad
Add peaches, berries, and cucumber to a large bowl.
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over top.
Gently toss with a spatula (berries are delicate).
5. Add the mint
Fold in mint at the end for maximum freshness.
Optionally add feta, goat cheese, or almonds.
6. Chill (optional)
Refrigerate 10–15 minutes to let flavors blend.
Flavor Variations
Tropical: Add mango, pineapple, or kiwi.
Herby: Substitute basil for mint or use half and half.
Creamy: Add a dollop of yogurt or coconut creamer
Savory: Add arugula and feta for a sweet-savory combo.
Low-Sugar: Replace honey with a squeeze of lime only.
Storage
Best enjoyed fresh.
Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Add mint right before serving (it browns).
Don’t freeze—it will turn mushy.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving; 1/4 recipe)
(Approximate)
Calories: 120–150
Carbs: 30–35g
Fiber: 4–6g
Protein: 1–2g
Fat: 0–1g
Added sugar: 8g (from honey)
Questions & Answers
Q1. Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is best, but frozen berries can work if thawed and drained well. Peaches should be fresh.
Q2. What if my peaches are not ripe?
Toss sliced peaches with ½ tsp sugar and let sit 10 minutes to soften and release juices.
Q3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—prep fruit ahead but add dressing and mint right before serving.
Q4. Can I omit the cucumber?
Absolutely. It adds crunch, but the salad is still delicious without it.
Q5. Should the dressing be sweet or tangy?
This is personal preference—add extra honey for sweetness or more lime for tang.
Q6. Can I add leafy greens?
Yes! Arugula, baby spinach, or butter lettuce make it more salad-like.
Q7. Can I serve this as dessert?
Yes—serve with vanilla yogurt, mascarpone, whipped cream, or gelato.
Q8. How do I keep apples or bananas from browning if I add them?
Toss them in lime juice before mixing into the salad.