Healthy Peach Salad Dressing

This healthy peach salad dressing brings a bright, fresh sweetness to your salads while keeping things light and natural. It blends juicy peaches with crisp apple cider vinegar and smooth olive oil for a perfectly balanced dressing that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Use it anytime you want to boost your greens with an easy homemade dressing that tastes like summer in a jar.

I made this dressing on a whim for a summer picnic and now it’s become the go to for all my salads. The brightness of the peaches really wakes up even the simplest greens.

Ingredients

• Two ripe peaches peeled and pitted: the star flavor and sweetness look for peaches that give slightly when squeezed for best taste
• Quarter cup extra virgin olive oil: adds richness and smooth texture, choose a good quality fruity oil if possible
• Two tablespoons apple cider vinegar: brings acidity to balance the sweetness, raw and unfiltered is ideal for the best tang
• One tablespoon fresh lemon juice: adds brightness and enhances the fruit flavors
• One tablespoon honey or maple syrup: optional touch of sweetness to round out the acids
• One teaspoon Dijon mustard: helps emulsify the dressing and adds subtle savory depth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: essential to enhance the overall flavor
• Optional one tablespoon chopped fresh basil or mint: adds fresh herbal notes for extra complexity

Instructions

Start with prepping the peaches:

Peel and pit your peaches. Roughly chop them into small pieces this helps them blend evenly into a smooth dressing without large chunks. Using ripe peaches really makes a difference here for vibrant taste.

Combine all the ingredients in a blender:

Into your blender or food processor add the chopped peaches olive oil apple cider vinegar lemon juice honey or maple syrup and Dijon mustard. These will create a creamy balanced base.

Blend until completely smooth:

Blend everything on high until the mixture is creamy and even. Pause once or twice to scrape down the sides with a spatula so nothing is left unblended and you get a silky finish.

Season and adjust flavors:

Taste the dressing and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. The salt will bring out the sweetness while pepper adds a little bite.

Add herbs if desired:

If you want that fresh herbal dimension add the chopped basil or mint now. Pulse the blender a few seconds to mix evenly without over processing the herbs.

Rest and chill:

Transfer the dressing into a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Serve up your dressing:

Shake well before use and drizzle generously over salad greens grilled chicken or toss with roasted veggies for a burst of fresh fruity flavor.

The peaches are my favorite part because they add both sweetness and a juicy freshness. One summer I brought this dressing to a family barbecue and everyone kept asking for seconds because it brightened up every salad bowl on the table.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Shake before each use since natural separation will occur. For longer storage freeze in small portions to thaw as needed perfect for keeping summer flavors available year round.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try white balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a milder tang. Use agave nectar or light corn syrup if you want a vegan alternative to honey with less pronounced sweetness. Swap fresh lemon juice with lime juice for a subtle tropical twist. If peaches are out of season try nectarines or even mango for a similar effect.

Serving Suggestions

This peach dressing pairs beautifully with mixed greens arugula or spinach salads featuring nuts goat cheese and grilled chicken or shrimp. Try tossing it with quinoa or couscous salads for a flavorful summer side dish. Use as a marinade for pork or poultry to add a fruity glaze before grilling or roasting.

This easy peach dressing brings summer flavor to salads and doubles as a versatile marinade. Make ahead and enjoy bright fruity flavor whenever you need a fresh boost.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What peaches work best for this dressing?

Use ripe, juicy peaches for maximum sweetness and smooth blending.

→ Can I substitute apple cider vinegar?

Yes, white wine or rice vinegar can be used but may alter the tanginess slightly.

→ Is it necessary to chill the dressing?

Chilling helps flavors meld and thickens the texture for a better taste experience.

→ How long does the dressing keep?

Store refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days for freshness.

→ Can I add herbs to the dressing?

Fresh basil or mint complement the peach sweetness and add aromatic notes when blended in.