Peaches and nectarines are among my favourite fruits in the summertime- they are so sweet and pair perfectly with sharper, savoury flavours like cheeses and yoghurts. I love adding them into breakfasts with yoghurt and granola or in a salad with cheeses and fresh summer vegetables.

When grilled on the bbq, peaches and nectarines become sweet and caramelised and when combined with the fresh taste of tomatoes and mozzarella on a bed of sharp rocket and mixed leaves they make the perfect summer salad. A citrusy olive oil dressing cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes and fresh mint and basil enhances the flavours to top it all off.

Not only is it delicious though, it is also nutritionally dense, packed with fibre, vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats. The base of leafy greens and rocket is high in insoluble fibre, provides vitamins A, B and D and potassium which supports hormone balance, brain function, skin and bone health and digestion. Stone fruits are soluble fibre and provide vitamins A, C and E to promote immune function, reduce inflammation and improve eyesight and the orange in the citrusy dressing provides vitamin C for immune function support. This salad provides a good source of carotenoids in the peaches, nectarines and tomatoes, a type of anti-oxidant which promotes eyesight, skin health and immune function. Lycopene, the carotenoid in tomatoes is not easily absorbed on its own, however, combining the tomatoes which a healthy fat such as extra virgin olive oil helps to increase the absorption of lycopene. It's all about what you can add to increase the nutrient value of your diet not what you should take away!

This is the perfect side salad for a summer bbq so next time you are entertaining friends or family with a bbq give this a go, it takes no time at all and is bound to get you complements on your hosting :))