I honestly LOVE salad.  Crisp leaves give the base for most of my salads but with the right ‘extras’ they’re a complete meal in themselves.  Most salads I have are of the ‘chuck in whatever’s in the fridge’ variety – and they’re nearly always pretty decent.  But sometimes it’s nice to structure them and build in levels of flavour.

One of the PT’s from Phil’s gym recently put a poll on Instagram because he was upset by people putting fruit in their salad.  Sorry Kieran, you’re really not going to like this one then ?

But if there’s one thing you HAVE to add to (all) your salads it’s salty toasted warm mixed nuts.  I use a combination of whatever nuts I have, though it’s VERY rare I don’t have many types in the cupboard – peanuts, walnuts, cashews and pine nuts are always favourites.  They’re also incredibly moreish like this, too moreish.  Often resulting in me having to cook more for the photos because I’ve eaten all the ones I did cook ?

You can also use whatever leaves you like – I’ve used rocket here as it’s a lovely peppery contrast to the warm, sweet peaches and soft, creamy sweet potatoes.  And the dressing is just a simple tangy mix of oil, balsamic, lemon juice, maple syrup and a dash of seasoning, whisked up and drizzled over.  Omnomnom ?

Did  you know that balsamic vinegar is made through quite a process?  Different barrels are chosen for their different aromas, taste and colour.  There’s boiling, transferring and aging, much like wine.  And like wine, expense plays a large part in quality – the more expensive, the longer it’s been aged and the richer, more full bodied it tastes.  Selecting balsamic vinegar for use is a bit trial and error.  The cheaper ones tend to taste, yep, too vinegary!  Find one you’re happy with the taste of that you can afford would be my recommendation, though I’d love to go to the balsamic tasting experience in Modena, Italy – this from a person who doesn’t even drink wine ?

If you make this Warm Peach and Sweet Potato Salad, or any of the recipes from The Cook & Him we’d LOVE to see!  Just snap a picture and share it on Instagram using #thecookandhim and tagging @thecookandhim in the photo itself (as this guarantees we’ll see your picture! ❤)

And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for even more recipe inspiration and chat, competitions, behind the scenes and so much more!

If you make this recipe or any of the recipes from The Cook & Him we’d LOVE to see! Just snap a picture and share it on Instagram using #thecookandhim and tagging @thecookandhim in the photo itself (as this guarantees we’ll see your picture!)

And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram , Facebook or Twitter for even more recipe inspiration and chat, competitions, behind the scenes and so much more!