Nectarine salad with cucumber and honey mustard sauce
Try this tasty and energizing nectarine salad with cucumber, packed with refreshing flavors of chili, garlic, and vinegar. A quick and healthy meal option for busy days!
Keep your meals interesting and your taste buds happy with this simple yet flavorful nectarine salad. Perfect for a burst of energy and a hit of vitamins that keep you going! Whether you’re looking for a vibrant start to your day, a mid-day refresh, or a light, wholesome meal to wind down with, this nectarine salad recipe is your perfect companion. It embraces the essence of summer flavors, making it an excellent choice for outdoor picnics or a simple, joyful meal at home. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking or dietary needs.
This nectarine cucumber salad is super quick and easy to make and it has such an interesting, distinct flavor. It’s refreshing and healthy and sure to get your blood pumped up from the very first bite thanks to the chili, garlic and vinegar combination.
How to make nectarine salad
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this vibrant dish to life:
- ripe nectarines, thinly sliced to bring in a sweet, juicy crunch
- cucumber, sliced thin for that perfect crisp
- fresh chili pepper (adjust based on how fiery you like it!)
- yellow bell pepper, for a delicious crunch
- parsley
Dressing ingredients
- Dijon mustard
- honey
- vinegar
- oil
- lime juice
- garlic
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get chopping! Start by thinly slicing the nectarines and cucumbers, and then mix them together in a large bowl. Next, slice up your chili pepper and yellow bell pepper, add them to the bowl along with some chopped parsley for that fresh kick.
For the honey mustard sauce, simply whisk together all the ingredients mentioned above until smooth and velvety. Drizzle this delightful dressing over your salad and give it a gentle toss to make sure every slice and dice gets a glossy coat of flavor.
There you go! Your nectarine salad is ready to serve. Don’t forget to taste and add any final seasonings if desired. This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a vibrant spectacle for the eyes, making it a joyous addition to any table.
I encourage you to make this salad your own! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or add a handful of nuts for an extra crunch.
Variations
- Add some feta cheese for a creamy, tangy touch
- Top it off with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein
- Substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup for a vegan option
- Toss in some almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans or cashews for an extra crunch and protein boost
- Mix in some arugula, cherry tomatoes or baby spinach to make the salad more nutritious and filling
- Chop some fresh mint or fresh basil leaves for added zing.
What to serve with your nectarine salad?
This dish makes the perfect side dish for chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Or simply enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing meal option, maybe pair it with some fresh mozzarella and bread rolls for a complete meal.
FAQ’s
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the ingredients and store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, simply mix everything together and drizzle with the honey mustard sauce.
Can I use other fruits instead of nectarines?
Of course! This salad is versatile and can be made with any fruits that are in season or to your liking. Peaches and apricots are a good option to replace nectarines, or you can add apples or pears for a fall twist.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, just make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and omit any animal-based toppings. Enjoy!
Storing tips
This salad is best served right away. Storing it in the fridge for too long may result in the fruits releasing their juices and making it watery. However, if you have leftover fruit and vegetable, store them separately in airtight containers and mix together before serving.
More recipes you will enjoy
- Peach blue cheese salad
- Dragon fruit Waldorf salad
- Lemon chicken orzo salad
- Mexican tuna salad
- Creamy macaroni pasta salad
So there you have it, a delicious and energizing nectarine salad with cucumber that will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Go ahead, make this nectarine salad recipe your own and enjoy every bite! Whether you’re whipping this up for yourself or sharing the joy with loved ones, remember, the best meals are those made with love and a dash of adventure. Happy cooking!
Nectarine and cucumber salad with honey mustard sauce
Ingredients
- 3 nectarines
- 3/4 large cucumber I used English cucumbers
- 1 fresh chili pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper small
- Fresh parsley as preferred
For honey mustard sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice I used 2 tablespoons
- 1 large clove garlic
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
For salad:
- Cut the nectarines in half, all the way around and twist both sides with hands until the nectarine pit comes out.
- Chop all veggies and the nectarine, any shape you like (I chopped them in slices) and place in a salad bowl
- Chop parsley and sprinkle over the other ingredients
For honey mustard sauce:
- Peel off the garlic clove
- Put all ingredients in a blender/mixing device and mix well
- Pour 2 tablespoons of honey mustard sauce over the nectarine and cucumber salad.
Nutrition
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ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…