Nectarine Caprese Salad

Juicy, tender nectarine slices and ripe tomatoes become the perfect pair with the aid of bright lemon juice, a touch of olive oil, cheesy mozzarella pearls, fresh basil and mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It's really a delicious, sweet, and fresh bite of summertime, and it's ready in less than 10 minutes. Magic.

Trust me, I adore a classic Caprese salad with the ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices, torn basil leaves, and balsamic glaze. There's nothing like it. However, in the summer time, I just crave something sweet and fresh,  but lots of hydration. This Nectarine Caprese Salad checks all those boxes. 

This salad can be a whole meal, or it can just be a side dish to wow your family and friends.

It's light, so flavorful, and vibrant - I mean, look at those colors! All the flavors sing when paired together, and even though nectarine and tomato might be an unlikely combination - they work so well together in this salad. The lemon juice not only keeps the nectarines from turning brown, but it helps add the right amount of acidity to match the tomatoes. 


What is Caprese Salad?

Traditionally, a caprese salad is made from fresh tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. Usually there's a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic, and salt and pepper. This dish originated in Italy, just after World War 1 ended, and a citizen wanted to make a dish that represented his home country and the colors of their flag. So, red, white, and green - tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Simple, but so elegant. This is a classic Italian salad that is just a stunner.

The possible birthplace of this beautiful salad is thought to be Capri, Italy, which is near Naples, off the southern coast of Italy. The name of the dish makes since for where its possibly origin might be, but the core of mozzarella production and tomato harvesting is just across Naples' bay. So, this area would make sense for it to be the home of a dish based solely off of fresh tomatoes and handmade mozzarella. 

Through the years, caprese salad has been adapted and tweaked by many people. One of my favorite variations is a peach caprese salad. It's sweet, savory, and packed with fresh summer flavors.

However, I have an abundance of nectarines this summer, thanks to my dad. So, I decided to swap the peaches in this beloved salad for nectarines and throw in some heirloom tomatoes from my and my uncle's garden. Sooooo scrumptious. Also, huge perks or having an herb garden and having access to fresh basil and mint that is beautiful, flavorful, and oh so bright and fresh.

What's Difference Between Peaches & Nectarines

Essentially, they're almost the same. So, if you don't have nectarines on hand - just swap them in this recipe for peaches.

The main difference between peaches and nectarines is the fuzz on the skin. There's only about one different thing between the two genetically, and that is what allows nectarines to have a smooth skin and peaches to have a fuzzy skin.


Ingredients You'll Need for a Fresh Nectarine Caprese Salad

- Fresh Nectarines, sliced thinly

- Extra Virgin Olive Oil

- Lemon Juice

- Salt and Pepper

- Spring Mix or Arugula, torn into bite-sized pieces

- Heirloom Tomatoes, cored and sliced

- Fresh Mozzarella Pearls

- Basil Leaves

- Mint Leaves

- Balsamic Glaze


How to Make a Nectarine Caprese Salad with Tomatoes

1. In a medium sized bowl, gently toss the sliced nectarines with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside. (I like to leave the skin on the nectarines because of the flavor, color, and how smooth it is. But, if you prefer - you can peel the peaches before slicing.) 

2. On a large plate or in a salad bowl, add the spring mix or arugula and top with sliced nectarines, tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls. Sprinkle with basil and mint and drizzle with balsamic glaze to taste. Enjoy!

Other Peach & Fruit Recipes

Have some leftover peaches sitting on your counter? A Southern Peach Crisp is just the perfect remedy for those, and it’ll complete your summer. 

This bright and refreshing salad is made complete with arugula, freshly sliced strawberries, avocado, goat cheese, candied pecans, a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, and finished with some seared or grilled chicken. Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette is nutritious, so full of flavor, and one of the best salads out there.

Are you craving the taste of summer & a cool treat in one? Never fear, this homemade Perfect Peach Ice Cream is just the thing to hit the spot. It is so easy to make and just takes a handful of ingredients. It’s packed with fresh peach flavor and bits of peaches to drive home that summertime sweetness. 

Oh, how I love rhubarb, and I believe my love for coffee cake is already pretty well known. So, this recipe for Rhubarb Coffee Cake is utter perfection. It’s bright, fresh, fruity, and not too sweet. This coffee cake is half streusel, has a layer of rhubarb compote, and is kept moist by sour cream added into the cake batter. Double. Yum.




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