<p> Purpose To address the growing challenge of soil salinization in almond cultivation, this study aimed to identify salt-tolerant <i>Prunus</i> rootstocks with direct applications in breeding programs and orchard management. Specifically, we evaluated the salt stress tolerance of seven interspecific peach × almond hybrids, including ‘GF677’, ‘GN’, ‘GN2’, ‘TT’, ‘35.1’, ‘34.2’, and ‘50.10’. Methods Rootstocks were subjected to four levels of salt stress (0, 3, 5, and 7 dS m⁻¹) over two months. Growth parameters, physiological and biochemical traits, and concentrations of 10 mineral elements in leaves and roots were assessed. Results Salt stress triggered a cascade of morphological and physiological disruptions across all rootstocks, leading to reduced growth, photosynthetic efficiency, and water balance. Increasing salinity levels caused declines in plant height, trunk diameter, biomass accumulation, and chlorophyll content, while necrosis and leaf abscission intensified. Concurrently, oxidative stress markers such as proline, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage increased, and antioxidant enzyme activities declined under severe stress (7 dS m⁻¹). Notably, rootstock ‘TT’ maintained lower leaf concentrations of Na (1.31%) and Cl (2.55%) and higher levels of N (2.42%), P (0.20%), K (1.86%), Ca (1.43%), Fe (176.2 mg kg⁻¹), Cu (4.24 mg kg⁻¹), and Zn (19.23 mg kg⁻¹), indicating superior ion regulation under salinity. Conversely, rootstock ‘50.10’ exhibited the highest Na, Cl, N, P, and Zn concentrations and the lowest P, Ca, Mg, and Fe concentrations. Conclusions Rootstocks ‘TT’ and ‘35.1’ demonstrated strong salt tolerance and are promising candidates for breeding programs and orchard deployment in salt-affected regions. This study introduces a novel integrative approach combining morphophysiological, biochemical, and mineral profiling to screen rootstocks, offering actionable insights for enhancing almond resilience and productivity under salinity stress.</p>