Name: Millionaire Peach Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces, pitted and sliced; 1 cup, halved; 1 cup, for a peppery bite; 1/2 cup, toasted and chopped; 1/4 cup, crumbled; 1/4 cup, torn; 1/4 cup, for drizzling; To taste; To taste

Jump to Recipe·5 from 9 reviews

Imagine a bright, sunshine-filled day with a dish to match: that’s exactly what you get with Millionaire Peach Salad. This stunning salad combines juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, peppery greens, toasted walnuts, and a shower of fresh basil, all finished with a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s as beautiful to look at as it is delightful to eat, and every bite bursts with contrasting flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a chic brunch, packing a picnic, or craving something refreshingly different, Millionaire Peach Salad is the kind of recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a truly memorable experience.

Millionaire Peach Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Millionaire Peach Salad is in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. Don’t be shy about using the ripest peaches you can find, and let the other ingredients shine in their supporting roles.

Ripe peaches: Sweet, juicy peaches are the heart of this salad, delivering summery flavor and gorgeous color to every forkful.
Fresh mozzarella balls: These little pillows of cheese add creaminess and mild richness that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
Arugula or mixed greens: Opt for arugula for a bite of peppery freshness, or go with a spring mix for a milder background.
Walnuts: Toasted and chopped walnuts offer an irresistible crunch and a slightly earthy depth that rounds out the salad.
Feta cheese: A sprinkle of feta brings just the right salty tang and a touch of creaminess.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn basil infuses the salad with an herby aroma and a hint of sweetness.
Balsamic glaze: This glossy reduction brings a sweet and tangy finish, tying all the components together.
Salt & Pepper: A final seasoning to heighten all the flavors—just a pinch does the trick.

How to Make Millionaire Peach Salad

Step 1: Prep the Peaches

Start by giving your peaches a good rinse under cool water—there’s nothing better than the taste and fragrance of peak-season fruit. Once clean, cut each peach in half, remove the pit, and slice the halves into juicy wedges. These slices will take center stage, so aim for even, ample pieces that eat well.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

In your largest salad bowl, gently layer in the sliced peaches, halved mozzarella balls, and a generous handful of arugula or mixed greens. You’re already building a vibrant mix of colors and flavors! Make sure the ingredients are loosely tossed so every bite catches a mix of textures.

Step 3: Add Crunch and Depth

Scatter the toasted, chopped walnuts on top—they’ll add that lovely nutty crunch that elevates the whole Millionaire Peach Salad. Follow this with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the lot for herbal brightness and visual appeal.

Step 4: Dress and Season

Drizzle your balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern over the salad, letting it drizzle into the nooks and crannies. Sprinkle a little salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. These finishing touches are small but mighty, allowing all the flavors to pop.

Step 5: Toss and Chill

Use clean hands or salad utensils to gently toss the salad, just enough to distribute everything without bruising the peaches or mush the mozzarella. Cover and pop it in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes—this short chill lets the flavors meld and ensures the salad is cool and refreshing when served.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve Millionaire Peach Salad directly from the bowl or plate it up for an impressive presentation. Layer the ingredients so every serving gets a bit of everything. This is the moment when your simple prep becomes a showstopper!

How to Serve Millionaire Peach Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish makes all the difference! Scatter a few whole basil leaves, a dusting of extra feta, or a few more toasted walnuts on top. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an intriguing kick. The salad looks as festive as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Millionaire Peach Salad plays beautifully with other summer fare. Try it next to grilled chicken, fresh seafood, or a platter of roasted veggies. It also pairs well with crusty bread, light pastas, or as a starter before a classic Southern main.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try portioning the salad into small mason jars or elegant glasses—each guest gets their own parfait of flavors! Or, arrange the salad ingredients charcuterie-style on a big platter for a dramatic table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Millionaire Peach Salad, pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The salad will keep well for up to a day. The peaches and greens are most vibrant and flavorful when enjoyed fresh—but leftovers still make for a tasty lunch!

Freezing

This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing, since peaches and mozzarella don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. The texture turns mushy and you’ll lose the brilliant freshness that makes Millionaire Peach Salad special.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—this salad is all about fresh, cool flavors. If the salad has been chilled, take it out 10 minutes before serving so the flavors warm up slightly; this helps bring out all the aromatic notes and juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches if fresh aren’t available?

Fresh peaches are definitely best for Millionaire Peach Salad, but if you’re in a pinch, canned peaches (well-drained) can be used. Just be sure to choose fruit packed in juice instead of syrup for the freshest flavor.

Is there a vegan option for this salad?

Absolutely! Swap out the mozzarella and feta for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives, and make sure your balsamic glaze doesn’t contain honey. The salad will still be creamy and satisfying, with all that peachy flavor.

Can I substitute another nut for walnuts?

Of course! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios make wonderful swaps in Millionaire Peach Salad. Just be sure to toast them for added crunch and richer flavor.

What’s the best way to toast walnuts?

Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, stirring once. You’ll know they’re ready when fragrant and just turning golden—keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!

Will the salad get soggy if made in advance?

The salad can sit for about an hour before serving, but after that, the peaches may start to release too much juice and the greens can wilt. For best results, assemble just before serving or keep the ingredients separate and toss together at the last minute.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Millionaire Peach Salad is a true celebration of summer’s best ingredients, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it for every gathering! It looks luxurious, tastes utterly divine, and is as easy as can be. Gather your ripest peaches and favorite people, and let this salad steal the show at your next meal.