Thursday, July 18, 2013

Peach-Cilantro Vinaigrette with Spinach Salad

This month's Improv Challenge, hosted by Kristen at Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker, is to make something using peaches and herbs. Almost immediately a recipe for a Peach Vinaigrette Salad Dressing began taking shape in my mind. I made a few notes, but had to do some thinking on what herb I wanted to do. Finally it dawned on me - Cilantro. I use this stuff in everything, so why not in a vinaigrette with peaches? The hubby is not a big fan of vinaigrette dressings in general. He likes a combo of ranch and french dressing. Well, he added this as a third and said it was really good! I think it was super yummy!

For the vinaigrette:
1 large peach
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp red pepper
1/8 tsp coarse sea salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the peach. Remove pit and chop. Place the chopped peach into blender. Add balsamic vinegar, garlic, brown sugar, red pepper and salt.
Blend until peach is pureed. Add oil and blend until smooth.
Pour into jar, add cilantro, top jar with lid and shake well.
Serve with your favorite salad and enjoy!

For the salad:
mix of spinach and spring greens
red onion strips
grilled peach slices
avocado slices
feta cheese crumbles
dried cranberries

To grill peach: take one large peach. Peel, cut in half and remove pit. Brush the inside of each half with olive oil. Place on grill, flat side down, and grill for about five minutes. Cut into slices.
Place desired amount of greens in bowl. Top with onion, peach slices, avocado slices, feta cheese and cranberries.
Serve with Peach Vinaigrette Dressing and enjoy!

Shared with:
 Ms. enPlace






12 comments:

  1. I found this month's Improv to be a true challenge. I'd NEVER thought to combine peaches with any sort of herb. I love the peach and cilantro salad dressing that you've come up with! Very creative!

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    1. Thanks! Although I immediately thought peaches and balsamic vinegar, I really had to think about the herb for this challenge. I agree, this was truly a challenge!

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  2. I love fruit with spinach. I think this vinaigrette sounds incredible!

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    1. I always love fruit, red onion and feta cheese with spinach. Thanks!

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  3. Love that you incorporate the peaches in the vinaigrette. This salad looks great.

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    1. Thanks! The vinaigrette was both sweet and tangy.

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  4. What a delicious salad, so fresh and summery.
    Mimi

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    1. Fruit with spinach, always a fresh and yummy choice in my opinion. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Peach balsamic vinaigrette sounds like such a wonderful, fresh use of this month's ingredients. Lovely! I adore spinach salads and this sounds like the perfect summer dressing

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  6. I have no idea what herb I would have chosen. What a challenge! Great job combining flavors. I love spinach salads too. Thanks for linking!

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    1. Basil or thyme seem to be the most chosen for some reason but cilantro is the one I always have on hand.

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