Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Honey Candied Nuts

Healthy | Refined Sugar-Free | Paleo Option | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free Option

Join me on a flavour adventure with this Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad topped with honey candied nuts and my homemade Honey Dijon Balsamic Dressing.
This salad is a delightful mix of contrasting textures and flavours that will tantalise your taste buds. It is more than just a salad. It is a treat that combines soft and crunchy, sweet and salty, all in one bite to satisfy your cravings.

Fresh, curly kale forms the base of this vibrant salad. Slices of peach add a sweet, fruity note, while figs bring a unique, honey-like sweetness. The blackberries burst with flavour, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the other fruits.

Crumbled Danish feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the fruit. The candied cashews and walnuts, coated in a sweet, cinnamon-infused glaze, bring a delightful crunch and a hint of warmth to every bite. These candied nuts are quick and easy to make, adding a special touch to the salad.

Not only do the candied nuts enhance the taste, but they also boost the protein content, making this salad a hearty meatless main or a satisfying side dish.

This Summer Harvest Salad is dressed with my homemade Honey Dijon Balsamic Dressing. It is made with a blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet honey, sharp Dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil. A sprinkle of crushed black pepper and black sesame seeds adds a final touch of spice and crunch.

The recipe is easily adaptable to a variety of diets with just a few simple swaps. Check out the “How to Adapt This Recipe to Your Diet” section for all the options.

Dive into this rainbow of flavours and enjoy a salad that is as nutritious as it is delicious. It is the perfect meal for any salad lover. This recipe proves that healthy food can be incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients Needed to Make This Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Candied Nuts and Dressing

For the Salad

Fresh curly kale (washed and chopped)
Ripe peaches (sliced)
Fresh figs (quartered or halved)
Blackberries
Danish feta cheese (crumbled)

For the Honey Candied Nuts

Cashews
Walnuts
Honey
Ground cinnamon

For the Honey Dijon Balsamic Dressing

Balsamic vinegar
Dijon mustard
Extra virgin olive oil
Honey
Freshly ground black pepper
Black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Substitutions for Making This Salad

Curly Kale: I prefer using curly kale for its crisp texture and slightly peppery flavour. However, you can also use rocket (arugula) for a more intense peppery kick.
Blackberries: If you don’t have blackberries, you can use raspberries or blueberries instead. They have a similar sweet-tart flavour and will add a beautiful colour to the salad.
Cashews and Walnuts: Almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts can be used. They all have a rich, nutty flavour that complements the other ingredients in the salad.

Remember, these substitutions are suggestions and can be adjusted based on your personal preference or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Honey Candied Nuts

This salad is more than just beautiful! it is fresh, wholesome, and bursting with flavour and texture. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your rotation

Made with fresh seasonal fruit that delivers vibrant colour and natural flavour.
Naturally sweetened with fruit and honey instead of refined sugar.
Refined sugar-free for a cleaner, more nourishing option.
Balanced in flavour with the perfect mix of sweet, salty, creamy and crunchy.
Full of contrasting textures that make every bite interesting and satisfying.
Satisfying and filling whether served as a light main dish or a hearty side.
Rich in antioxidants from figs, blackberries and kale.
Packed with nutrients including essential vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Gluten-free and soy-free to suit various dietary needs.
Dairy-free option by using plant-based feta or skipping the cheese.
Vegan option by swapping honey for maple syrup and using vegan feta.
Paleo option when made with clean dressing and without dairy.
Nut-free option by replacing the candied nuts with roasted seeds.
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal prep time and no cooking.
Great for meal prep because it stores well and can be made ahead.
Feel-good dish that is colourful, wholesome and delicious.

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How to Adapt This Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Honey Candied Nuts to Your Diet:

Paleo Option: Omit the feta cheese. The salad remains delicious as all the ingredients work well together. Alternatively, use almond cream cheese as a paleo-friendly substitute.
Dairy-Free Option: Make the salad dairy-free by omitting the feta cheese or substituting it with a dairy-free cheese alternative like almond cream cheese.
Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative like almond cream cheese and replace honey with a maple syrup.