Name: Nectarine Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound nectarines; 1 pound tomatoes; 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (raw or roasted); Handful fresh basil leaves; Handful fresh mint leaves; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp honey; Pinch kosher salt; Maldon sea salt (for serving)

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If you're searching for a refreshing and vibrant salad that bursts with sweet and tangy flavors, the Nectarine Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe is your perfect match. This delightful combination marries juicy nectarines with ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and crunchy hazelnuts, all dressed in a light vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate seasonal produce while crafting a dish that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is on the palate.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a bunch of bright green basil leaves with smooth texture. Next to it, there are three whole peaches with reddish-orange skin and soft fuzz. Near the center, there are three small clear glass bowls containing yellow oil, white coarse salt, and rose-colored liquid, arranged in a triangle. To the right of the bowls, there are various tomatoes, including four red, round ones and several smaller oval-shaped tomatoes in shades of red, orange, and yellow. On the far right, there is a sprig of fresh mint with vibrant green leaves and a slightly rough texture. The composition is brightly lit, showing natural colors and a clean layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This salad shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in layering flavors, textures, and colors, making it a true sensory delight.

1 pound nectarines: Choose ripe but firm nectarines for a juicy yet sturdy bite.
1 pound tomatoes: Go for ripe, flavorful tomatoes to add beautiful acidity and color.
¼ cup chopped hazelnuts (raw or roasted): Adds satisfying crunch and a nutty undertone.
2 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Brings bright acidity that lifts the salad’s flavors.
2 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for the dressing.
½ teaspoon honey: Balances the vinegar with a touch of natural sweetness.
Pinch kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Handful fresh basil leaves: Adds a sweet herbal aroma that complements nectarines.
Handful fresh mint leaves: Brings refreshing coolness and complexity.
Maldon sea salt (for serving): Use as a finishing touch for texture and bursts of salinity.

How to Make Nectarine Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Roughly chop the hazelnuts

Start by giving your hazelnuts a rough chop so they add just the right crunch and texture without overwhelming the salad. Whether you use raw or roasted nuts depends on your preference for deeper nuttiness or a milder flavor.

Step 2: Prepare nectarines and tomatoes

Slice the nectarines in half to remove the pits, then cut them into wedges. Sometimes the pits don’t come out easily, so slicing around them is a helpful trick. Do the same for your tomatoes, creating even wedges that’ll blend beautifully with the nectarines.

Step 3: Make the dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and a pinch of kosher salt. This simple vinaigrette is essential for marrying the fruits and herbs, balancing sweetness and tang with a silky finish.

Step 4: Toss and macerate

Add the nectarines and tomatoes into the bowl with the dressing and gently stir to coat every piece. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, stirring gently once or twice. This lets the fruits release their natural juices and mingle with the dressing, turning the salad into a juicy, flavor-packed masterpiece.

Step 5: Add herbs and finish

Finally, toss in the fresh basil and mint leaves. Transfer the salad to a serving plate, sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the top, and finish with a generous pinch of Maldon sea salt. The herbs bring a bright freshness, while the nuts and salt add contrasting textures and layers of flavor.

How to Serve Nectarine Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe

The image shows two white plates on a white marbled surface. The plate on the left is larger and holds a mix of sliced yellow peaches with red skin, quartered red tomatoes, green basil and mint leaves, and small chopped nuts scattered over a light pinkish sauce. A gold spoon rests on this plate. The smaller white plate on the right contains a similar mix of three peach slices, several tomato quarters, green leaves, and scattered nuts, all lightly coated in the same pink sauce. Two whole red tomatoes with green stems are placed near the top right corner beside the plates. The scene has soft natural lighting and a beige cloth partially visible near the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an eye-catching toss, add a few whole basil and mint leaves on top and perhaps a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A sprinkle of edible flowers, like nasturtiums, can elevate the presentation for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fresh crusty bread, or a light cheese like burrata or feta. It’s a perfect side for a summer barbecue or a light lunch that still feels indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering this salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the colorful fruit and herbs or serve it on large, flat white plates for a striking contrast. You can also stuff pita pockets or serve alongside a chilled quinoa salad for a hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the hazelnuts separate if you want to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad since nectarines and tomatoes become mushy after thawing and lose their fresh texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If needed, just bring it out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to bloom.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios would also bring delicious crunch and complement the flavors, so use what you have on hand or prefer.

What if I can’t find fresh nectarines?

If nectarines aren’t in season, you can substitute with peaches or even firm plums. The goal is to use a fruit that provides similar juiciness and sweetness.

How long does it take to prepare this salad?

Total prep time is about 30 minutes, including the macerating time that helps develop the flavors even further.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as your honey is replaced with a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to ensure the fruits and herbs remain fresh and vibrant without getting soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Nectarine Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe is a sparkling example of how simple, seasonal ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side dish or a standalone light meal, this salad brings joy in every bite. I highly encourage you to try it soon — it might just become one of your favorite summer salads!

Nectarine Salad with Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need