This vibrant Summer Grilled Peach Salad is a delightful mix of sweet grilled peaches, fresh greens, and crunchy nuts. The honey vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness that makes every bite refreshing!
Grilling the peaches brings out their natural sweetness—seriously, it’s magic! I love serving it with a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra flavor twist. Perfect for summer gatherings! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Choose ripe, juicy peaches for grilling. If peaches are unavailable, nectarines work as a great substitute, offering similar sweetness and texture.
Salad Greens: Mixed greens like arugula and spinach are perfect. If you prefer something sturdier, kale or romaine can hold up well, adding a nice crunch.
Cheese: Feta adds a salty creaminess. Goat cheese is a lovely alternative, giving a tangy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try a nut-based cheese or skip it altogether for simplicity.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add great texture. If you have nut allergies, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are tasty substitutes that still provide crunch.
How Do I Grill Peaches Without Making a Mess?
Grilling peaches can be simple—just remember a few key steps to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps prevent sticking.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil before grilling. This creates a non-stick surface and adds flavor.
- Grill cut side down for about 3-4 minutes. Don’t move them around too much; let them get those nice grill marks.
- Be careful not to overcook them. You want them softened but still holding their shape. Once off the grill, let them cool slightly before slicing.
Summer Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
For The Honey Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Summer Grilled Peach Salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to grill the peaches. Plus, it’s best enjoyed fresh, so you can whip it up in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grilling the Peaches:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the peach halves lightly with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and add flavor. Once the grill is hot, place the peach halves cut side down on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want those lovely grill marks and the peaches to soften slightly. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them cool a bit before slicing into thick wedges.
2. Making the Honey Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey vinaigrette ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or white balsamic), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—you might like it a little sweeter or more tangy!
3. Assembling the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced red onion, toasted nuts, and half of the crumbled cheese. Drizzle in about 2-3 tablespoons of the honey vinaigrette, then toss gently to combine everything nicely.
4. Adding the Grilled Peaches:
Now it’s time to make it pretty! Arrange the grilled peach slices on top of your salad. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and fresh basil leaves over everything for an extra pop of color and flavor. If you feel like it, drizzle a bit more vinaigrette on top.
5. Serving:
Serve your beautiful salad immediately as a great summer appetizer or side dish that everyone will love! Enjoy!
FAQ for Summer Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches?
While fresh peaches are best for grilling, you can use canned peaches if necessary. Drain them well and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. Note that frozen peaches might not hold their shape well on the grill, so consider using them in a different way, like blending into the dressing or serving fresh instead.
Can I Make the Honey Vinaigrette in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the honey vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens. Just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat!
What Can I Substitute for Nuts in This Recipe?
If you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, you can skip the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You could also add crispy chickpeas for extra protein and texture!
