Get ready for the easiest, most beautiful appetizer that screams spring and summer: this gorgeous Peach Caprese with Mint, Pistachios, and Honey! This recipe takes the classic Caprese concept and gives it a sweet, seasonal twist, layering juicy ripe peaches with creamy fresh mozzarella, then topping it all with crunchy pistachios, fresh mint, a drizzle of honey, and flaky sea salt. I absolutely adore this Peach Caprese because it requires only 7 main ingredients, takes just minutes to assemble, and delivers the most perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, saltiness, and creaminess. It's my go-to for last-minute, easy, and delicious summer entertaining, and perfect for enjoying right now as peach season gets underway!
Why You'll Love This Peach Caprese Salad
- Stunning Presentation: Looks incredibly elegant arranged on a platter with minimal effort.
- Perfect Sweet & Savory Balance: Juicy peaches, salty feta (or mozzarella!), crunchy pistachios, sweet honey, and fresh mint create an amazing flavor profile.
- Super Easy & Quick: No cooking required! Just slicing and assembling - ready in 15 minutes.
- Highlights Seasonal Peaches: The perfect way to showcase beautiful, ripe peaches during their peak season.
- Light & Refreshing: A wonderful appetizer or light side dish for warm weather.
Ingredients for Peach Caprese
Here's what you'll need to assemble this beautiful and easy appetizer. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Salad Base
- Ripe peaches, thinly sliced (Fruit)
- Fresh mozzarella log, sliced (Dairy) (Or use Burrata)
- Roasted, salted chopped pistachios (Nuts)
- Fresh mint leaves (Herb)
Dressing & Finishing
- Champagne vinegar* (Acid) (Or white wine vinegar/lemon juice)
- Extra virgin olive oil (Oil)
- Honey (Sweetener)
- Flaky sea salt (Seasoning)
(Note refers to potential vinegar substitutions if needed) (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love the specific combination of mint and pistachio in this Peach Caprese, but feel free to adapt it:
- Use Burrata: Substitute creamy burrata for the fresh mozzarella log for an even more decadent experience. Tear it gently over the peaches.
- Different Herbs: Use fresh basil instead of mint for a more traditional Caprese feel that still pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Add Prosciutto: Drape thin slices of prosciutto amongst the peaches and mozzarella for a salty, savory addition.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze instead of or in addition to the champagne vinegar and honey for a different flavor profile.
- Different Nuts: Use toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios.
- Make it Spicy: Add a few very thin slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
How to Make Peach Caprese Salad
Assembling this beautiful Peach Caprese takes just minutes:
Arrange Base Layers
- I start by arranging the slices of fresh mozzarella attractively on a large serving platter or shallow dish.
- Next, I top the mozzarella slices with the thinly sliced ripe peaches, overlapping them slightly or arranging them artfully.
Dress and Top
- I drizzle the champagne vinegar (or substitute) evenly over the peaches and mozzarella.
- Then, I follow with a generous drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- I sprinkle the chopped roasted, salted pistachios over the top.
- Next, I scatter or gently tear the fresh mint leaves over the salad.
- I finish with a drizzle of honey all over the arrangement and a final, generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Peach Caprese
Here are my secrets for making this simple Peach Caprese truly outstanding:
- Use Ripe, Flavorful Peaches: This dish shines when peaches are in season and perfectly ripe - sweet, fragrant, and juicy.
- Quality Fresh Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella packed in water (or even better, fresh burrata!) for the best creamy texture. Slice it evenly.
- Good Olive Oil & Vinegar: Since the dressing is simple, using quality ingredients makes a difference. Champagne vinegar is light and bright; white wine vinegar is a good sub.
- Flaky Sea Salt Finish: Don't skip the flaky sea salt (like Maldon)! It adds a delightful crunch and enhances all the flavors.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: For the freshest look and best texture (especially preventing peaches/mozzarella from weeping too much), assemble this salad right before serving.
How to Serve
This Peach Caprese with Mint, Pistachios, and Honey is perfect served immediately as:
- An Elegant Appetizer: A stunning starter for a dinner party, brunch, or special occasion.
- A Light Lunch: Serve alongside some crusty bread for a delightful light meal.
- A Refreshing Side Salad: Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
- Part of a Mezze/Antipasto Platter: Adds a beautiful sweet and savory element.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
This salad is best assembled fresh just before serving.
- Prep Ahead: You can slice the peaches (toss gently with a tiny bit of lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping more than an hour ahead), slice the mozzarella, and chop the pistachios/mint ahead of time. Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Assembly: Arrange and drizzle just before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers don't store particularly well, as the peaches and mozzarella can become watery and the mint wilts. It's best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs about Peach Caprese Salad
- What kind of peaches work best?
- Any ripe, flavorful freestone peach (where the pit removes easily) works well. Choose peaches that are slightly firm to the touch so they slice nicely. Yellow or white peaches are both delicious here.
- Can I substitute the cheese?
- Fresh mozzarella provides the classic Caprese feel. Burrata is even more luxurious. Crumbled feta or goat cheese would offer a tangier, saltier alternative to this Peach Caprese.
- What if I don't have Champagne vinegar?
- Substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even just extra fresh lemon juice for the acidic component.
Enjoy this beautiful, simple, and incredibly delicious Peach Caprese with Mint, Pistachios, and Honey! It's the perfect taste of spring and summer.
Print
Peach Caprese with Mint, Pistachios, and Honey
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
Peach Caprese with Mint, Pistachios, and Honey is the easiest, 7-ingredient appetizer you need for summer! The combination of flavors and fresh ingredients is the most perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, saltiness, and creaminess! It belongs in your arsenal for when you need a last-minute, easy & delicious recipe for summer entertaining!
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced (log or large balls)
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup roasted, salted pistachios, coarsely chopped
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry the peaches. Pit them and slice thinly. Slice the fresh mozzarella to a similar thickness as the peaches. Coarsely chop the roasted pistachios if they are whole. Pick fresh mint leaves for garnish.
- Arrange Mozzarella: Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella artfully on a large serving platter.
- Add Peaches: Layer the thinly sliced peaches over and amongst the mozzarella slices.
- Drizzle Vinegar and Oil: Drizzle the champagne vinegar evenly over the peaches and mozzarella, followed by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add Pistachios and Mint: Sprinkle the chopped roasted pistachios generously over the salad. Scatter fresh mint leaves on top.
- Finish with Honey and Salt: Drizzle the honey over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- Peaches: Use ripe but still slightly firm peaches so they slice well and hold their shape.
- Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella (log style sliced, or large bocconcini sliced) provides the best creamy texture. Burrata can also be used for an extra decadent version.
- Vinegar: Champagne vinegar is light and delicate. White wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar can be good substitutes.
- Pistachios: Roasted and salted pistachios add great flavor and crunch. Other nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts can also be used.
- Assembly: This salad is best assembled just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients and prevent the peaches from browning too much (though the vinegar helps).
- Storage: Best enjoyed immediately. Leftovers do not store well due to the fresh mozzarella and peaches.
