How to Incorporate Peaches in Every Meal

August is when peaches hit peak ripeness. All month long, the juicy, delicious fruit can be found in abundance at nearly every market in San Diego. Make the most of the short peach season with these great tips on how to incorporate peaches into all your meals!

Breakfast

Peach Bread: Add peaches to your favorite banana or zucchini bread recipe for a delicious, nutritious twist! Pair a slice of peach bread with a healthy protein like eggs or turkey bacon to keep you full all morning long.

Peach Smoothie: Switch up your morning protein shake routine by swapping a peach for the usual berries or apples. Peaches also go great with exotic fruits like mango, papaya, and coconut, so try adding these healthy options too!

Peach Cobbler Oatmeal: Cook your oats as usual, and add diced fresh peach, wheat germ or flaxseed, a shake of light brown sugar or cinnamon, reduced-fat milk, and chopped walnuts or almonds. The result will taste like dessert but have all the nutrition of a proper breakfast.

Lunch

Peach, Basil & Red Onion Salad: At first, it may sound like these ingredients are a strange mix. But when combined, sweet peaches, peppery basil, and tangy red onion come together to make a delightfully savory fruit salad. Add grilled chicken, fish or tofu on the side for some extra protein. And if you’re craving greens, add in watercress or arugula!

Curried Chicken & Peach Salad: Mix light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with curry powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Then toss gently with shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and diced peaches. Serve the mixture over a bed of your favorite greens or in between slices of whole-wheat bread.

Peach, Chicken & Pepper Jack Quesadilla: This peachy quesadilla will make you smile ear to ear! Top a large tortilla with shredded pepper jack cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced peaches, chopped cilantro and minced jalapeno (if desired). Gently fold in half, then cook in a lightly greased cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until crisp.
Snacks

Peach & Jalapeno Guacamole: Mash two large avocados and combine with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add one finely chopped large peach, a couple of tablespoons of minced red onion and one minced jalapeno. Serve with tortilla chips, or use as a delicious topping for grilled fish or chicken!

Peach Salsa: Healthy peach salsa goes great with tortilla chips, raw veggies or pita crisps. In a bowl, combine chopped peaches, diced avocado, diced red pepper, chopped onion, torn basil, lime juice, hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Your dish will be the envy of any picnic or BBQ!

Peach Bruschetta: For a non-traditional take on the Italian classic, spread pesto of your choice on top of toasted baguette slices, and add thinly sliced peaches, shaved parmesan, and slivers of red onion.

Dinner

Grilled Peaches: You can grill peaches the same as you would your favorite veggie – and they turn out just as delicious! When seared on the grill, ripe, juicy peaches get a caramelized char that pairs perfectly with grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin.

BBQ Shrimp & Peach Kabobs: In a small bowl, combine ancho chile powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss the spice mixture with 2-3 peaches cut into large chunks and a pound of deveined, peeled shrimp. Thread the seasoned peach chunks and shrimp onto skewers, and grill 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with lime wedges.

Grilled Tomato Peach Pizza: Who says pizza can’t have fruit? Shake up pizza night with this sweet and savory delight! Grab your favorite flatbread, and top with sliced heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, torn fresh basil, thinly sliced peaches, salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake on a pizza pan or stone for 10-12 minutes at 450ºF and enjoy!