Peaches and Cream Summer Salad (Printable)

Juicy peaches meet velvety whipped cream with a hint of mint for the ultimate summer dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Fresh Fruit

01 - 4 large ripe peaches, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch slices
02 - 1/2 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry (optional)

→ Whipped Cream

03 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, thoroughly chilled
04 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Garnish

06 - Fresh mint leaves, for finishing
07 - 2 tablespoons sliced toasted almonds (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large chilled metal or glass mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer set to medium-high speed. Whip until soft peaks form and the cream holds its shape when the beaters are lifted. Transfer to the refrigerator to maintain firmness until assembly.
02 - Rinse the peaches under cool water and pat dry. Using a sharp knife, cut each peach in half, remove the pit by twisting gently or cutting around it, then slice into uniform 1/2-inch wedges. If incorporating blueberries, rinse them thoroughly in a colander and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from thinning the cream.
03 - Select individual dessert glasses, parfait dishes, or a large clear serving bowl to showcase the layered presentation. Arrange a base layer of peach slices along the bottom, followed by a scattering of blueberries if using. Continue layering until all fruit is distributed evenly, leaving approximately 1 inch of space at the top for the cream topping.
04 - Remove the whipped cream from the refrigerator. Using a rubber spatula or piping bag fitted with a large star tip, generously mound the cream over the fruit layers, creating decorative peaks and valleys. Ensure the cream completely covers the fruit while maintaining visual appeal through the glass sides.
05 - Finish by tucking fresh mint leaves into the cream around the edges and placing one or two sprigs on top. If using almonds, scatter the toasted slices across the surface for added crunch. Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Do not exceed 1 hour chilling time, as the fruit will release excess moisture and the cream may begin to separate.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No cooking required, just assembly when you need something cool and fast
  • The whipped cream transforms ordinary fruit into something that feels fancy but takes minutes
  • It travels well and actually tastes better after sitting for an hour
02 -
  • The cream will start to break down if this sits longer than an hour so plan to assemble close to serving time
  • Room temperature peaches release more juice and can make the cream runny, so keep them chilled until the last minute
03 -
  • Turn the mixing bowl occasionally while whipping to catch all the cream from the sides
  • Fold any fruit juice that accumulates back into the cream for extra flavor

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