Peach Summer Ceviche is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful appetizer inspired by traditional Peruvian ceviche, featuring tender white fish marinated in lime juice with onions, spicy scotch bonnet pepper, and sweet chunks of ripe peaches. This light and zesty dish perfectly captures the essence of summer and is great served on its own or with plantain chips.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 13 ounces white fish fillets (mahi mahi or halibut preferred), cut into ½-inch cubes

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, deseeded and minced (adjust to spice preference)

• Juice of 4 limes

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 large ripe peach, peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, scallions

Directions

1. Rinse the fish under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Cut into ½-inch cubes.

2. Place fish cubes in a large bowl and add the sliced onion, minced pepper, lime juice, and salt. Stir to combine.

3. Refrigerate and marinate for 10–15 minutes until the fish is “cooked” by the lime juice.

4. After marinating, gently toss in the peach chunks and drizzle with olive oil.

5. Add optional toppings like cilantro, avocado, and scallions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 180–220 kcal

• Protein: 25–30 g

• Total Fat: 6–8 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Carbohydrates: 8–10 g

• Fiber: 1–2 g

• Sugars: 6–7 g (from peaches and onion)

• Sodium: 300–400 mg

The Traditional Roots and Modern Twist

Ceviche, a dish with deep roots in Latin American coastal regions, traditionally features raw fish “cooked” by the acidity of citrus juice, usually lime or lemon. The fish is marinated briefly until it becomes opaque and tender, infused with fresh aromatics and spice. Peach Summer Ceviche honors these traditional techniques but elevates the dish by introducing peaches—bringing a natural sweetness and juicy texture that enhances the overall profile.

By marrying savory and spicy elements with the delicate sweetness of peaches, this dish becomes more than just a seafood appetizer; it’s a celebration of seasonal produce and culinary creativity. The peaches soften slightly in the marinade without losing their structure, creating delightful bursts of flavor that contrast beautifully with the tender fish.

The Importance of Fresh, Quality Ingredients

The quality and freshness of the ingredients are essential to making the best Peach Summer Ceviche. Choosing fresh, firm white fish such as mahi mahi or halibut ensures that the texture remains pleasantly firm and clean after marination. These fish varieties are mild in flavor, allowing the marinade and added ingredients to shine.

Using ripe, juicy peaches is equally critical. Peaches that are too underripe may be tart and firm, while overripe peaches can become mushy and lose their bright flavor. Perfectly ripe peaches provide a natural sweetness and soft yet slightly firm texture that complements the other ingredients.

Freshly squeezed lime juice is necessary for properly “cooking” the fish and for imparting the classic citrus brightness that defines ceviche. The juice’s acidity tenderizes the fish and balances the sweetness of the peaches and the heat from the scotch bonnet pepper.

Balancing Heat and Sweetness

The inclusion of scotch bonnet or habanero pepper introduces an exciting heat element to the dish. These peppers are known for their intense spiciness and fruity aroma, which pairs well with the lime and peaches. By deseeding and finely mincing the pepper, you control the heat level, ensuring the dish is fiery enough to excite the palate without overpowering the other flavors.

The sweetness of the peaches acts as a natural counterbalance to the pepper’s heat, creating a harmonious interplay of spicy and sweet. This delicate balance is one of the reasons why Peach Summer Ceviche stands out, offering a unique and memorable flavor experience.

Aromatics and Texture Enhancements

Thinly sliced red onions add a crisp, sharp bite that contrasts with the softness of the fish and peaches. The onions’ slight sweetness and crunch elevate the texture profile and provide additional layers of flavor.

The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enriches the ceviche, adding a smooth, fruity undertone that ties all the ingredients together. It also adds a luxurious mouthfeel and helps mellow the acidity and heat, making the dish more rounded and approachable.

Optional toppings like fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and scallions add freshness, richness, and extra flavor complexity. Cilantro’s bright herbal notes lift the entire dish, while avocado contributes creaminess and a subtle buttery flavor that softens the overall spice. Scallions bring an additional mild onion crunch and vibrant color, enhancing both presentation and taste.

Quick and Simple Preparation

One of the great benefits of this dish is how quick and easy it is to prepare. After cubing the fish and chopping the vegetables and peaches, the ingredients are simply combined and left to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. This short marination time is enough to “cook” the fish while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

This simplicity makes Peach Summer Ceviche accessible even for beginner cooks or anyone short on time. It requires no cooking on the stove, just chopping and mixing, which also means it’s a cool, no-fuss dish perfect for hot weather.

Nutritional Benefits

Peach Summer Ceviche is a nutrient-rich dish that provides a balanced mix of macronutrients and vitamins. The white fish is a high-quality protein source, low in fat and calories, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats beneficial for heart health.

Peaches and onions contribute dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A. The lime juice not only adds flavor but also vitamin C, which is vital for immune function and skin health.

The moderate heat from the scotch bonnet pepper may also provide metabolic benefits, as capsaicin (the compound responsible for chili pepper heat) is known to boost metabolism and promote digestion.

Serving Suggestions

Peach Summer Ceviche is best served chilled, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings, summer parties, or as a light starter before a main course. It pairs exceptionally well with crispy plantain chips, tortilla chips, or even simple crostini for scooping.

For a more substantial meal, serve the ceviche alongside a fresh green salad or quinoa for added texture and nutrition. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves, avocado slices, or extra lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Conclusion

Peach Summer Ceviche is a bright, flavorful, and refreshing dish that transforms simple ingredients into a celebration of summer’s bounty. The tender, lime-cured fish harmonizes perfectly with the sweet peaches and spicy pepper, resulting in a dynamic combination of tastes and textures that excite the palate.

Its quick preparation, reliance on fresh seasonal produce, and balance of sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors make it an ideal appetizer or light meal for warm weather. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening, this ceviche offers a delicious, healthy, and visually stunning way to enjoy the flavors of summer in every bite.