In summer we love having salads for lunch. I enjoy experimenting with different fruits and this peach salad is one of our favourites. I prefer using nectarines but any type of peach adds a lovely sweetness to the salad. For a crunch I’ve added raw cashew nuts, pan-fried in maple syrup. These candied nuts are super delicious and without the added refined sugar or unhealthy vegetable oil you get in the store bought version.
Avocados are naturally nutrient dense and contains nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. Avocados benefits include improved heart health, hormone balance and better digestive health to name a few. Although most of the calories in an avocado come from fat, don’t shy away. Avocados are full of healthy beneficial fats that help to keep you full and satiated. Eating fat slows the breakdown of carbohydrates which helps to keep sugar levels in the blood stable. Fat is essential for very single cell in the body. Eating healthy fats supports skin health, enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and may even help boost the immune system.
Cashew nuts have a buttery, sweet and salty taste and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Although cashews are one of the lowest fibre nuts, they are packed with vitamins E, K and B6 along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron and selenium all of which are important for maintaining good bodily function. Consumption of cashew has been linked to cancer prevention, heart health and weight maintenance. Cashews make a great replacement for animal fats and proteins and is a satisfying snack.
Peach salad with candied nuts - refined sugar free
The perfect, deliciously sweet and crunchy salad made with nectarines and maple candied nuts.
Ingredients
- 3 nectarines (or any other peach in season)
- 1 small avocado
- 1 small cucumber
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander
- salt and pepper
- ½ cup raw cashew nuts
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- balsamic vinegar
- hemp seed oil or olive oil
Directions
- Step 1 Roughly chop the nectarines, avocado and cucumbers and combine in a pretty salad bowl.
- Step 2 Add roughly chopped coriander to the salad and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3 Roughly chop the cashew nuts.
- Step 4 In a pan, fry the nuts in the maple syrup on a high heat for about a minute. Keep an eye on these babies as they burn easily.
- Step 5 Immediately remove the nuts from the pan and place in a single layer on parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet to cool.
- Step 6 Sprinkle the cooled nuts over the salad.
- Step 7 Serve with balsamic vinegar and hemp seed or olive oil as dressing.
Love this recipe – Peach Salad with Candied nuts.
Making this as part of our Christmas menu. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Louise, so glad you like the recipe. One of our favourites too.