Healthy | Refined Sugar-Free | Paleo Option | Keto Option | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free Option
Join me on a flavour adventure with this Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad topped with 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, add 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.
The candied nuts not only enhance the taste but 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, 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.
This salad 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, proving that healthy can indeed be satisfying.
Ingredients Needed to Make This Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Honey Candied Nuts & Dijon Balsamic Dressing
- Fresh curly kale
- Peaches
- Figs
- Blackberries
- Danish feta cheese
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Honey
- Cinnamon
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Black pepper
- Black sesame seeds
Ingredient Substitutions for Making This Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Honey Candied Nuts
- 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.
This Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Honey Candied Nuts & Dijon Balsamic Dressing is
- Healthy
- Paleo option
- Keto option
- Vegan option
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free option
- Soy-free
- Can be made nut-free
- Naturally sweetened
- No refined sugar added
- Packed with different textures
- Rich in antioxidants
- Packed with nutrients
- Quick and easy to make in your own kitchen
- Satisfying and delicious with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy
- Great as a main meal or a hearty side dish
- Perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time
How to Adapt This Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Honey Candied Nuts & Dijon Balsamic Dressing 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.
- Keto Option: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup for a lower-carb version.
- 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.
Peach, Fig & Blackberry Salad with Honey Candied Nuts and Honey Dijon Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 200 g curly kale, stalks removed and chopped
- 1 large peach, sliced
- 100 g blackberries (about ¾ cup)
- 70 g Danish feta cheese, crumbled (about ½ cup)
For the Candied Nuts:
- 40 g cashews (about ¼ cup)
- 30 g walnuts (about ¼ cup)
- 3 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Honey Dijon Balsamic Dressing:
- 80 ml balsamic vinegar (⅓ cup)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- 1-2 tablespoon tablespoons water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Figs:Wash the fresh figs in cool water. Their skin bruises easily, so handle them carefully.Place the figs on a cutting board and slice off their stems.Cut the fruit lengthwise into quarters.
- Prepare the Salad:In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, peach slices, fig quarters, blackberries, and crumbled Danish feta cheese.
- Prepare the Candied Nuts:Heat a skillet over medium heat.Add the cashews, walnuts, and a pinch of salt. Fry for 2-3 minutes until they smell nutty and are lightly toasted.Add honey and cinnamon, stirring occasionally for another 2 minutes.Remove the skillet from heat and allow the nuts to cool and crisp up.
- Assemble the Salad:Sprinkle the candied nuts over the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing:In a screw-top jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, black sesame seeds, water, and salt.Shake well until fully combined.
- Dress the Salad:Drizzle the Honey Dijon Balsamic Dressing over the salad.Toss gently to ensure everything is well coated with the dressing.
