Easy Grilled Peach Salad

Introduction

Are you looking for a tasty, fresh, and easy-to-prepare summer dish? The grilled peach salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will delight your taste buds. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables in a creative and appetizing manner. Whether it’s for a light lunch, dinner side dish, or a party appetizer, this recipe is versatile and quick to prepare.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Fresh peaches:

Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor.

Arugula:

A handful of fresh arugula adds a peppery touch to the salad.

Cucumber:

Crisp cucumber slices provide a refreshing crunch.

Red onion:

Thinly sliced for a mild yet tangy bite.

Fresh herbs:

Basil or mint leaves for added freshness.

Goat cheese or feta:

Crumbled, to give the salad a creamy and tangy element.

Toasted nuts:

Pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch and a nutty flavor.

Olive oil:

A drizzle for extra richness.

Balsamic glaze:

To bring a sweet-tangy contrast to the dish.

Salt & pepper:

To taste.

Prep Time

This salad takes only a few minutes to prepare. From gathering the ingredients to slicing and grilling the peaches, you’ll have everything ready in no time.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking the peaches on the grill is quick, taking just a couple of minutes per side. Including prep time, you can have this salad ready in about 15-20 minutes. This recipe yields enough for 2-4 servings, depending on portion sizes.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Wash the peaches thoroughly, then cut them in half and remove the pits. Optionally, you can brush the cut sides with a little olive oil to help caramelize them on the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Peaches

Place the peach halves cut side down on the preheated grill. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until you see nice grill marks. Flip the peaches and grill the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base

Arrange your choice of fresh greens evenly on a serving platter or in a large bowl. A mix of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens works best for flavor and texture.

Step 5: Add Grilled Peaches

Slice the slightly cooled, grilled peach halves into smaller wedges. Place them evenly over the bed of greens.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese, sliced red onions, chopped pecans or walnuts, and a handful of dried cranberries. These toppings add crunch, sweetness, and tangy flavor balances.

Step 7: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together your choice of balsamic glaze or vinaigrette. For extra flavor, you may mix it with a small amount of honey or Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Drizzle with Dressing and Serve

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the assembled salad. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat with the dressing right before serving. Enjoy your grilled peach salad fresh.

Notes

Note 1: Alternative Grill Option

If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even roast the peach halves in the oven. Just ensure you achieve some caramelization for the best flavor.

Note 2: Cheese Substitution

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or even fresh mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Note 3: Nut-Free Option

For a nut-free version of this salad, simply omit the nuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for added crunch.

Note 4: Make Ahead

You can grill the peaches a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Assembling the salad right before serving ensures freshness.

Note 5: Dressing Substitute

If you don’t have balsamic glaze or vinaigrette, a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and honey can work as a light and refreshing dressing.

Cook techniques

How to properly grill peaches

To grill peaches, start by cutting them in half and removing the pit. Lightly brush each peach half with olive oil to prevent sticking. Preheat the grill to medium heat and lay the peaches cut side down for a few minutes until grill marks appear.

Preparing the arugula base

Wash and thoroughly pat dry fresh arugula. Ensure it is completely dry to avoid sogginess in the salad. This will make the salad crisp and fresh when combined with the grilled peaches.

Mixing the salad dressing

Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar until well combined. Alternatively, you can put the dressing ingredients in a sealed jar and shake it vigorously for easier preparation.

Combining ingredients

Layer the grilled peaches on top of the arugula base. Sprinkle toppings like goat cheese, nuts, or other preferred ingredients evenly over the salad before drizzling with the dressing.

FAQ

Can I use canned peaches?

It is recommended to use fresh peaches for grilling since they hold up better under heat compared to canned peaches, which are softer and may not grill as well.

What can I substitute for arugula?

If you’re not a fan of arugula, you can substitute it with spinach, mixed greens, or any other leafy greens of your choice.

Can this be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the dressing and grill the peaches ahead of time, but it is best to assemble the salad closer to serving to ensure maximum freshness.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Pecans, almonds, or walnuts are great options for adding a crunchy texture. Choose your favorite based on personal preference.

Is there a vegan option?

To make this recipe vegan, you can skip the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the salad components separately if possible. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and store the arugula and peaches separately to maintain their freshness.

Conclusion

This Easy Grilled Peach Salad is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. It’s simple to prepare and works brilliantly as a side dish or light meal. The grilled peaches add a unique smoky-sweet flavor that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully. It’s versatile, satisfying, and ideal for all occasions, especially during peach season.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Grilled Pineapple Salad

Replace peaches with fresh pineapple slices for a tropical twist. Add red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.

Berry Spinach Salad

Combine fresh spinach, mixed berries such as blueberries and strawberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic glaze for a refreshing option.

Roasted Beet and Feta Salad

Use roasted beets with arugula, crumbled feta cheese, walnuts, and a honey Dijon vinaigrette to achieve a hearty, tangy salad.

Grilled Watermelon with Feta

Substitute the peaches with grilled watermelon slices, top with feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a summery delight.

Caprese Salad with a Twist

Add grilled peach slices to your classic Caprese salad, layering them with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil for a unique flavor combination.