Stone Fruit and Cheese: Summer’s Most Delicious Partnership

Celebrate summer with vibrant stone fruit and creamy cheeses in recipes that balance freshness, flavour and nourishing goodness

South African summers are made for bold flavours, fresh produce and generous meals shared outdoors. Among the season’s most effortless and rewarding pairings is the timeless combination of stone fruit and cheese. Juicy peaches, nectarines and plums bring natural sweetness, delicate aroma and refreshing juiciness, while cheese offers saltiness, creaminess and satisfying depth. Together, they meet in perfect balance — bright, versatile and full of flavour. Whether tossed into a salad, layered in a dessert, folded into tacos or styled on a platter, it’s a pairing that thrives in warm-weather cooking.

To celebrate this delicious summer bond, Juicy Delicious and Rediscover Dairy have partnered to launch a new collection of recipes showcasing the best of both ingredients. “It’s a great time to make the most of both the versatility and the quality of our locally grown stone fruit,” says Wilechia van der Westhuizen, spokesperson for Juicy Delicious and Hortgro Trade Development Manager. “Peaches, nectarines and plums are at their peak of flavour and juiciness… These summer favourites are also naturally rich in vitamins A and C, potassium and antioxidants, supporting hydration and everyday wellbeing in this hotter weather.”

recipes

Celebrate the Season with Juicy, Versatile South African Cherries

Cheese adds its own goodness to the mix. Rich in high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins, it offers nourishment for active summer days — while its creamy, salty or tangy notes elevate the sweetness of stone fruit beautifully. As Maretha Vermaak, Registered Dietitian at Rediscover Dairy, explains: “Dairy foods such as cheese play an important role in our diets, making it easier to get our recommended three servings of dairy a day… Paired with stone fruit, as in this recipe collection, you’re getting an even wider spectrum of nutrients to support the whole family’s health.”

Four Fresh Recipes to Celebrate The Season

Roasted Halloumi and Grilled Peach Salad

Halloumi’s salty bite and golden edges pair beautifully with smoky, caramelised peaches. Tossed with crisp greens and a shallot, honey-mustard dressing, this salad is both refreshing and deeply satisfying — ideal for long lunches and outdoor gatherings.

Soft-Shell Tacos with Harissa Yoghurt Chicken, Stone Fruit Salsa and Feta

These tacos deliver sunshine in every bite: juicy grilled chicken marinated in harissa yoghurt, a bright stone fruit salsa layered with feta’s creaminess, and a cool green yoghurt dressing that brings it all together.

Stone Fruit Galette with Goat’s Cheese, Cream Cheese and Honey

Nectarines and plums bake into jammy pools of sweetness, complemented by the gentle tang of goat’s cheese inside a rustic pastry. Cream cheese forms a smooth base, while honey and thyme add fragrant richness — the perfect ending to a braai or summer lunch.

The Summer Of ’25 Stone Fruit and Cheese Platter

A generous spread featuring six local cheeses — from cheddar to Gouda — alongside fresh plum slices, grilled nectarines and a decadent peach and ginger compote. Add olives, Parma ham and crostini for easy entertaining at a braai, picnic or poolside feast.

The Perfect Wine Pairing

A standout match for any of these recipes is Beau Constantia Pas de Nom Rosé, a harmonious blend of Syrah and Mataro. Bright acidity, supple tannins and layers of juicy fruit make it the ideal companion to both stone fruit and cheese. Mataro brings wild strawberry and raspberry notes with subtle spice, while Syrah adds purity, depth and a lingering finish — enhancing both creamy cheeses and sweet, sun-ripened fruit.

This summer, bring the beautiful friendship of stone fruit and cheese to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, enjoying a romantic dinner for two or settling into a quiet moment in the garden shade, this pairing delivers freshness, flavour and effortless joy.