Savory Peach and Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad combining Georgia peaches, toasted pecans, and creamy goat cheese tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a light, regional meal. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, medium Georgia peaches, sliced, toasted pecans, roughly chopped into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 290 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified and creamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 2 medium sliced Georgia peaches, and 1/2 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese on top just before serving to add a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweet peaches and crunchy pecans.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Peach and Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Savory Peach and Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Peach and Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Savory Peach and Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Savory Peach and Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese Vinaigrette?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes