Peach and tomato salad with orange blossom and honey dressing

*Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes*

I first tried combining peaches and tomatoes on a whim during a summer brunch, skeptical but curious. The addition of fragrant orange blossom water tied it all together beautifully, creating a surprisingly harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and floral notes. It instantly became a favorite way to celebrate peak-season produce.

## Why Make Peach and tomato salad with orange blossom and honey dressing?

Tired of the same old breakfast routine? This Peach and Tomato Salad offers a vibrant and refreshing alternative. It's incredibly quick to assemble, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and showcases the best of summer produce. The unique dressing elevates simple ingredients into something truly special, guaranteed to brighten your morning.

## Key Benefits

– **Quick & Easy:** Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.

– **Unique Flavor Profile:** Sweet peaches, juicy tomatoes, and a fragrant floral dressing create a memorable taste.

– **Healthy & Light:** Packed with vitamins from fresh fruits and healthy fats from olive oil.

– **Perfect for Summer:** Utilizes peak-season produce for maximum flavor and freshness.

– **Versatile:** Enjoy it for breakfast, a light lunch, or as a side dish.

Elevate your morning meal with this stunning Peach and Tomato Salad with Orange Blossom and Honey Dressing. It might sound unconventional for breakfast, but the combination of sweet, juicy peaches and ripe summer tomatoes is a match made in heaven. Drizzled with a fragrant orange blossom and honey dressing, this vibrant Peach and Tomato Salad offers a refreshing, healthy, and utterly delicious start to your day. Forget boring toast, try this delightful Peach and Tomato Salad with Orange Blossom and Honey Dressing instead!

## Ingredients

– **Ripe Peaches:** 2 medium *(Slightly firm but fragrant, pitted and sliced or cubed)*

– **Ripe Tomatoes:** 1 large or 2 medium *(Heirloom or vine-ripened recommended, cut into bite-sized pieces)*

– **Extra Virgin Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons *(Good quality, for the dressing)*

– **Honey:** 1 tablespoon *(Adjust to taste)*

– **Orange Blossom Water:** 1/2 teaspoon *(Start with less, it's potent! Food grade quality.)*

– **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon *(Freshly squeezed preferred)*

– **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon *(Or to taste)*

– **Black Pepper:** Pinch *(Freshly ground recommended)*

– **Fresh Mint or Basil Leaves:** Optional, small handful *(Torn or roughly chopped, for garnish)*

– **Crumbled Feta or Soft Goat Cheese:** Optional, 2 tablespoons *(Adds a salty, creamy element)*

## Instructions

### Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, honey, orange blossom water, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.

*Pro Tip: Make the dressing first to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the fruit.*

### Prepare the Fruit
Gently wash and dry the peaches and tomatoes. Pit the peaches and slice or cube them. Cut the tomatoes into similar-sized pieces.

*Pro Tip: Use peaches that are ripe but still hold their shape well to avoid a mushy salad.*

### Assemble the Salad
Arrange the sliced peaches and tomatoes on serving plates or in a shallow bowl. Drizzle generously with the orange blossom and honey dressing.

*Pro Tip: For a prettier presentation, alternate arranging peach and tomato slices.*

### Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh mint or basil leaves and crumbled feta or goat cheese, if using. Serve immediately.

*Pro Tip: A final drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can enhance the flavors.*

## Temperature & Timing Guide

### Ingredient Temperature
Using chilled peaches and tomatoes enhances the salad's refreshing quality, especially on a warm morning.

– Store ripe peaches and tomatoes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before preparing.

– Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; bring to room temperature slightly before use if oil solidifies.

### Serving Temperature
This salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly, served chilled or at cool room temperature.

## Variation Ideas

### Add Creaminess
Incorporate slices of fresh mozzarella or burrata for a luxurious texture.

### Nutty Crunch
Sprinkle with toasted pistachios, slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds.

### Make it Greener
Serve over a bed of baby arugula or spinach for added nutrients and peppery flavor.

### Protein Boost
Add chickpeas, white beans, or leftover grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.

### Spice it Up
Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.

## Tips for Perfect Results

– **Use Ripe Produce:** The quality of your peaches and tomatoes is key. Use fragrant, ripe, in-season fruit for the best flavor.

– **Orange Blossom Caution:** Orange blossom water is very potent. Start with the recommended amount and add more *only* if desired, tasting as you go.

– **Dress Just Before Serving:** To prevent the fruit from becoming soggy, add the dressing right before you plan to eat.

– **Ingredient Balance:** Taste and adjust the dressing sweetness (honey) and acidity (lemon juice) to complement your fruit.

– **Sharp Knife:** Use a sharp knife to slice the peaches and tomatoes cleanly without crushing them.

## Leftovers & Reheating

This Peach and Tomato Salad is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers, especially once dressed, tend to become watery and lose texture. If you anticipate leftovers, store the undressed fruit mixture and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Combine just before serving. No reheating is required or recommended.

## Serving Suggestions

– **With Yogurt:** Serve alongside a bowl of plain Greek yogurt for added protein.

– **On Toast:** Spoon the salad over toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread.

– **Alongside Eggs:** Pair with scrambled or poached eggs for a complete breakfast.

– **As a Light Lunch:** Enjoy a larger portion on its own for a refreshing midday meal.

## Nutrition Information

*Nutritional information is an estimate only and may vary depending on ingredients used.*

– **Calories:**
– **Protein:** 4g
– **Fat:** 18g
– **Saturated Fat:** 3g
– **Carbohydrates:** 38g
– **Fiber:** 6g
– **Sodium:** 150mg

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?**
A: It's best served fresh. You can prepare the dressing and chop the fruit up to a few hours ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Combine just before serving.

**Q: What kind of tomatoes work best?**
A: Ripe, flavorful tomatoes like heirlooms, beefsteak, or vine-ripened varieties are ideal. Cherry tomatoes, halved, also work well.

**Q: Where can I find orange blossom water?**
A: Look for food-grade orange blossom water in the international aisle of larger supermarkets, specialty food stores, or online.

**Q: Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?**
A: Yes, ripe nectarines are a great substitute for peaches in this recipe.

**Q: Is this salad vegan?**
A: To make it vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

**Q: What if I don't like orange blossom water?**
A: You can omit it, though it adds a unique flavor. Alternatively, add a little extra lemon zest or a tiny drop of vanilla extract for a different aromatic note.

## Ready to Taste the Sunshine?

Ready to transform your breakfast? Give this unique and vibrant Peach and Tomato Salad a try. It's a simple recipe with surprisingly complex and delightful flavors that capture the essence of summer in every bite. Enjoy!

Useful Resources

• How to Choose Ripe Peaches – Tips from The Kitchn on selecting the best peaches for your salad.
• What is Orange Blossom Water? – Serious Eats explains this fragrant ingredient and how to use it.
• Health Benefits of Tomatoes – Information from Healthline about the nutritional value of tomatoes.
• More Summer Salad Ideas – Explore other refreshing salad recipes perfect for warm weather from Love & Lemons.