Peach and Blackberry Summer Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Subtle blackberries and creamy goat cheese temper the sweet peaches in this cool and refreshing summer salad, with walnuts adding a little crunch.  This light and easy salad will serve as the perfect accompaniment to your warm-weather barbecues.

Peaches may be my favorite summer fruit.  Sometimes, it can be difficult to find good ones.  I got lucky this year and have been enjoying some pretty luscious, sweet peaches...just like those I remember from my childhood.  I'm going to assume they are local; however, even those aren't always perfect.  Nectarines would be a great substitute for peaches in this salad.  In fact, I often use nectarines if I can't find the peaches I want.  Pears, too, would be a good alternative to peaches in this recipe.

Whether you choose to enjoy this sweet and savory salad as a side or light entree, it's a marvelous way to enjoy the fruits of summer!

                                     Refreshing and A Little Sweet...

                                                Just Like You!


Serves approx. 4-6 as a side salad

Ingredients

• 5 oz. Spring Salad Mix, (also good with a mixture of sweet butter lettuce and spinach leaves)
• Table salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Approx. 1 c. sliced fresh peaches* (cleaned, peeled and pitted)
• Approx 3 oz. (or about 3/4 c.) fresh blackberries, cleaned and dried (cut large ones in half)
• Approx. 3 oz. crumbled goat cheese
• Approx. 1/3 c. chopped English walnuts
• Approx. 2-3 TB (or to taste...best to go lightly) Raspberry Pomegranate Dressing or Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette Dressing (I use Ken's Steak House)

Directions

1. Just before serving, toss the salad mix with the salt and pepper to taste.
2. Add the peaches, blackberries, goat cheese and walnuts...then gently mix.
3. Add the dressing and lightly toss.
4. Serve immediately.

*Tips

• Not only would fresh nectarines be a good substitute for the peaches, but fresh pears would be also.
• This salad is very good with Rice Thin crackers (I like Nabisco Brown Rice Sea Salt & Pepper).
• Enjoy as is for a light entree, or add a some thinly sliced cooked turkey or chicken for a little more fulfilling meal.

Enjoy the dog days of Summer with this cool and easy scrumptious salad!