This refreshing salad features juicy grilled peaches paired with crisp greens. Toss in some nuts for crunch and a touch of cheese for extra flavor—yum!
I love how the warm peaches contrast with the cool greens. It’s like a summer party on a plate! 🌞 Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for any gathering.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are essential for their sweetness. If peaches aren’t in season, try plums or nectarines for a similar flavor and grilling effect.
Mixed Greens: A mix of greens like baby spinach, arugula, and spring mix gives texture. If you’re not a fan, go for romaine or kale, but remember to chop kale into smaller pieces for easier eating.
Berries: Blackberries and blueberries add a pop of color and sweetness. Feel free to use raspberries or strawberries if you prefer, or even a medley of whatever berries you have on hand!
Nuts: Pecans offer a delightful crunch, but walnuts or sliced almonds are great substitutes. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture.
Cheese: Goat cheese adds creaminess. If you prefer a stronger flavor, blue cheese works well. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast or omit cheese altogether.
How Do I Grill Peaches Perfectly?
Grilling peaches can enhance their sweetness and create a lovely smoky flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with ripe peaches. They should be slightly soft but not mushy.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to get those beautiful grill marks.
- Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote caramelization.
- Place the peaches cut side down on the grill for about 3-4 minutes. This is where they develop great grill marks.
- Flip and grill the skin side for an additional 2 minutes. This helps soften them while ensuring they’re not overcooked.
- Once done, let them cool slightly before slicing to prevent burns and make serving easier.
With these tips, your grilled peaches will be the star of the salad!”
How to Make Easy Grilled Peach Salad with Fresh Greens
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 cups mixed fresh salad greens (like baby spinach, arugula, and spring mix)
- 1 cup blackberries
- ½ cup blueberries
- ½ cup pecan halves
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to grill the peaches. In just 20 minutes, you can serve a fresh and delightful dish perfect for a light meal or a side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, take your peaches and brush the cut sides lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will help them grill beautifully!
2. Grill the Peaches:
Once your grill is hot, place the peach halves cut side down on the grill. Grill for about 3–4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the peaches soften a bit. Flip them over and grill the skin side for another 2 minutes. Once done, take them off the grill and let them cool slightly. After cooling, slice each half into wedges.
3. Make the Dressing:
While the peaches are cooling, grab a small bowl. Whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl or platter, arrange your fresh mixed greens as the base. Then, artfully scatter the grilled peach wedges, blackberries, blueberries, and pecan halves on top of the greens. Finish off by sprinkling the crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese over everything.
5. Dress and Serve:
Drizzle the dressing evenly over your salad just before serving. If you’d like, toss the salad gently to mix all the flavors together. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast between the warm peaches and the fresh, crisp greens along with juicy berries!
Enjoy your fresh, vibrant salad—perfect for warm weather or whenever you crave a light, flavorful dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Salad?
Absolutely! If peaches aren’t available, you can substitute them with nectarines, plums, or even grilled pineapple for a tropical twist. Just make sure to choose fruits that will caramelize nicely on the grill.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just add the dressing and toss!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can grill the peaches and prepare the dressing in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp. Pre-grilled peaches can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days—just bring them to room temperature before serving!
What Can I Use Instead of Goat Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feta or even crumbled blue cheese works wonderfully. For a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or simply omit the cheese for a lighter version.