Butter Lettuce Pistachio Peach Salad Recipe

This peach and butter lettuce salad is my go-to because it perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with the juicy peaches and tangy feta, creating a party in every bite! Plus, it’s super fresh and easy to whip up, making it an ideal dish for impressing friends at any laid-back brunch or picnic.

Salads are something I take great pleasure in making. My Butter Lettuce Pistachio Peach Salad is a colorful and delicious combination.

It pairs the sweetness of ripe peaches with the delightful crunch of pistachios and the creamy tang of feta cheese. This makes a salad that is not just good to eat but also good for you.

The addition of red onions and a simple dressing of olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and honey takes this salad straight to Flavor Town.

Ingredients

Butter lettuce has a low calorie count, an abundance of vitamins A and K, and a texture that is crispy and mild, making it a uniquely adaptable green.

Peaches are full of fiber and vitamin C, providing au naturel sweetness and juiciness.

Pistachios: Add crunch and nuttiness; rich in healthy fats and proteins.

Feta cheese: Provides a creamy texture with a salty zest, rich in calcium.

Red onions: Yielding pungency and hue; rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Olive oil, extra virgin: Heart-healthy fats; imparts smoothness and richness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 head of butter lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
• 1/3 cup shelled pistachios
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced red onions
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by gently washing and drying the butter lettuce. Tear it into pieces that are of a size to be bites and place in a large salad bowl.

2. Wash the peaches well, then slice around the pit and discard it. Cut the fruit into thin wedges or slices.

3. Place the sliced peaches atop the butter lettuce in the bowl.

4. Evenly sprinkle the shelled pistachios over the salad.

5. Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the top for a creamy, salty contrast.

6. Slice the red onions thinly and scatter them over the salad for a hint of sharpness.

7. In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and honey, and whisk them together until they are blended well. This will be your dressing.

8. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing to taste.

9. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad in such a way that it is evenly distributed.

10. Toss the salad gently to coat everything with the dressing, then serve it immediately so you can enjoy the bright and fresh flavors of all the ingredients.

Equipment Needed

1. Salad spinner or clean kitchen towels (for drying lettuce)
2. Large salad bowl
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
7. Salad tongs or two large spoons (for tossing the salad)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of lettuce for this salad?Q: Can butter lettuce be substituted with any other tender green, and if so, which ones?
• Q: What if peaches are out of season?A: For a similar flavor profile, you can use nectarines or substitute with seasonal fruits like strawberries or pears.
• Q: Is there a substitute for feta cheese?If you would rather have a different kind of cheese, goat or blue cheese can be used in place of feta.
• Q: How can I make this salad vegan?Replace feta with your favorite plant-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
• Q: What is a good alternative to white balsamic vinegar?A: You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in place of white balsamic vinegar.
• Q: How can I add more protein to this salad?A: The protein content of the salad can be increased by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Q: Can the salad be made in advance?A: To maintain the freshness and crispness of the salad, it’s best to prepare the ingredients in advance but combine them just before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Try walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios for a nutty crunch that’s a little different.
Replace feta with goat or blue cheese for a creamier texture in the cheese portion.
Substitute white wine vinegar for white balsamic vinegar, and you still get a similar tart flavor.
If peaches are out of season, substitute them with nectarines or slices of ripe mango.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra burst of flavor, lightly toast the pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.

2. Use ripe, but still slightly firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape and provide a sweet and juicy bite without becoming mushy.

3. To intensify the flavor of the red onions and make them milder, soak the slices in ice water for about 10 minutes before draining and adding them to the salad.

4. Consider using a blend of butter lettuce with other greens like arugula or baby spinach to add a bit of peppery or earthy flavor and increase nutritional variety.

5. If you want an additional layer of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like basil or mint over the salad to complement the peaches and feta cheese.