This is a perfect salad for summer – fruity, delicious, and full of cooling flavor. Experiment with the savory and spicy options for lunch and dinner, and consider the sweeter options for dessert!

Summer Peach and Basil Salad

4-5 medium peaches, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces (leave skin on)
1/4 red onion
1/2 cup fresh basil
1/2 lemon or 1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – choose a fruity, cloudy one
Pinch of coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Options: Take it sweeter: Add Strawberries and/or mint; or, serve with a dollop of marscapone sweetened with honey

Take it savory: Add Feta (just a tbsp, crumbled – you need much less than you think – or it will overpower the fruit) or other white cheese, grated

Make it spicy: Add grated ginger

Preparation

A bit of attention on the preparation will make a big difference in this recipe – start with a sharp knife!

Roll basil leaves together into a “cigar” shape and thinly slice across the “cigar” to make thin basil strips. Then, quarter a red onion, and slice very thinly across the cut side, to make tiny strips of that as well.

Add everything you are using in a large bowl, toss, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve.