100 Cooks

I placed Top 3 on Food Network's 100 Cooks read the story

Food Network
Back to Recipes
AppetizerLunchDinner

Orchard Harvest Salad

By Holley··updated

This Orchard Harvest Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Fresh mixed greens are topped with juicy white nectarines, sweet plumcots, creamy feta, and candied pecans, then tossed in a simple homemade honey balsamic dressing. It's an easy side salad that feels special enough for entertaining but comes together in just minutes.

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 0
Total: 15 Minutes
Serves: 8 to 10
Orchard Harvest Salad

When stone fruit is in season, there's no better way to enjoy it than in a fresh salad. The natural sweetness of ripe white nectarines and juicy plumcots pairs perfectly with tangy feta, crunchy candied pecans, and crisp mixed greens for a salad that's bursting with flavor and color.

The homemade honey balsamic dressing ties everything together with just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you're serving this alongside grilled chicken, steak, or seafood, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this Orchard Harvest Salad is one you'll find yourself making all summer long.

Best of all, it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, holiday meals, or whenever you want an impressive salad with minimal effort.

I used Family Tree Farms Plumcots and Nectarines in this recipe. You can find all of their variety of fruit and store finder here: https://familytreefarms.com/

📝 Ingredients

  • For the Salad:
  • 1 large (16oz) container mixed greens
  • 2 white nectarines, sliced
  • 3 plumcots, sliced
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup candied pecans
  • Honey Balsamic Dressing:
  • ½ cup avocado oil or olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ⅛ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Directions

  1. 1

    Add the mixed greens to a large serving bowl.

  2. 2

    Top with half of the sliced nectarines, plumcots, feta, and candied pecans.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.

  4. 4

    Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

  5. 5

    Finish by adding the remaining fruit, feta, and candied pecans over the top for a beautiful presentation.

  6. 6

    Serve immediately and enjoy.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Use ripe but still firm nectarines and plumcots so they hold their shape.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to turn this into a complete meal.
  • Wait to dress the salad until just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
  • Store the dressing separately if making ahead.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep all of the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving for the freshest texture.

What can I substitute for plumcots?

Plums, peaches, apricots, or additional nectarines all work well if plumcots aren't available.

Can I use another cheese?

Absolutely. Goat cheese, blue cheese, or fresh mozzarella are all delicious alternatives to feta.

What protein goes well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, or even rotisserie chicken make great additions.

How long will the dressing last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the honey balsamic dressing will keep for up to one week. Shake or whisk before serving since the ingredients may separate.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the feta or replace it with your favorite dairy-free feta alternative.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

You can, but the homemade honey balsamic dressing comes together in just a couple of minutes and really complements the fresh fruit.

What should I serve this with?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as part of a summer barbecue spread.

Shop the Recipe

🍴 You Might Also Like

Greek Sheetpan ChickenDinner

30 to 35 minutes

Greek Sheetpan Chicken

This Greek Sheetpan Chicken is an easy one-pan dinner loaded with juicy marinated chicken thighs, colorful roasted vegetables, artichokes, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese. It's packed with Mediterranean flavor, perfect for busy weeknights, and makes enough for meal prep or feeding the whole family.

Crockpot Teriyaki Pineapple ChickenDinner

4 hours

Crockpot Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken

This Crockpot Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken is the kind of easy dinner every busy family needs! Tender chicken slow cooks in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with juicy pineapple, fresh garlic, ginger, and soy sauce before being finished with a quick cornstarch slurry for the perfect thick sauce. Serve it over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli for a simple meal everyone will love.

Apple Chicken Salad (Finale Dish on Food Network 100 Cooks)Lunch

30 minutes

Apple Chicken Salad (Finale Dish on Food Network 100 Cooks)

This Apple Chicken Salad Sandwich is the exact lunch I made in the finale of Food Network's 100 Cooks! Packed with tender chicken, crisp apples, toasted pecans, and a creamy honey Dijon dressing, it's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Served on a buttery toasted croissant, it's an easy lunch that's perfect for meal prep, brunches, or showers.

Made this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!

Recipe from Holley in the Kitchen: https://holleyinthekitchen.com/recipe/orchard-harvest-salad