One of the greatest things about summer—according to members of our Pasadena weight loss clinic —is the incredible selection of summer produce. This recipe for Summer Tomato & Peach Salad mixes the best of the fruit and veggie world for a juicy and refreshing, nutritional powerhouse of a salad. The combination is a unique blend of sweet and savory that can be served for lunch, dinner or as a healthy appetizer.
Tomatoes should be a staple of your summer diet, as they’re full of beneficial antioxidants including vitamins A and C, which help neutralize free radicals in the blood, and lycopene, which promotes healthy skin and has been shown to help prevent diabetes, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and various forms of cancer. Tomatoes also contain strong levels of vitamin K, copper, potassium, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus. Peaches are fat-free, low in calories and loaded with minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium and phosphorous. They’re also a great source pf dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and phenols, which are phytochemicals with antioxidant properties.
If you’re avoiding dairy, skip the burrata or feta—there is enough flavor in this salad to do the job. Drizzle an aged balsamic vinegar over it and it’s ready to serve.
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Ingredients
½ pound ripe peaches, halved and pitted
2 large heirloom tomatoes
½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onions, sliced thin
2 4-ounce balls burrata cheese or ¼ cup crumbled feta
8 fresh basil leaves
Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
Slice the heirloom tomatoes and peaches. Arrange them nicely on the plates and season lightly Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Next add a layer of sliced onions and the smaller tomatoes on top. Slice the burrata into small pieces and sprinkle over the salad servings—if you opt for feta, simply sprinkle the crumbles over each. Add the basil leaves on top. Season lightly with the Himalayan sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar or the low calorie dressing of your choice and serve.
Makes two servings.
