Orchard Harvest Salad
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.

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
Add the mixed greens to a large serving bowl.
- 2
Top with half of the sliced nectarines, plumcots, feta, and candied pecans.
- 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
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- 5
Finish by adding the remaining fruit, feta, and candied pecans over the top for a beautiful presentation.
- 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.
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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

