This refreshing grilled peach salad is perfect for warm days! Sweet, juicy peaches are paired with crisp greens and topped with a tasty dressing for a healthy treat.
You’ll love how the grilled peaches add a nice twist. I usually make this when friends come over, and they always ask for the recipe! It’s that good! 🍑🌱
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are key for sweetness and flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use nectarines or even canned peaches (drained) for a quick fix.
Mixed Greens: I love using a blend for added flavor and texture. If you can’t find mixed greens, feel free to use just spinach or romaine. Kale works too, but you may want to massage it to soften the leaves.
Cheese: Goat cheese is creamy and tangy, which I prefer. If you’re not a fan, feta is a great swap. For vegan options, try avocado or a nut-based cheese.
Pecans: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. If you’re allergic, walnuts or sunflower seeds make good substitutes.
Berries: Blackberries and blueberries add color and sweetness. You can replace them with strawberries or raspberries, depending on what you have available!
How Do I Grill Peaches to Get That Perfect Smoky Flavor?
Grilling peaches is simple and elevates this salad. To get the best results, follow these steps:
- Choose ripe peaches for maximum sweetness. Cut them into wedges and remove the pits.
- Coat peaches lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance grilling.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side—watch for those beautiful grill marks and a little char!
- Don’t over-grill; just aim for soft, slightly caramelized peaches that still hold their shape.
This method brings out the natural sugars, adding depth to your salad!
Easy Grilled Peach Salad with Fresh Greens
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced into wedges
- 6 cups mixed fresh salad greens (like baby spinach, arugula, and spring mix)
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 4 oz goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling peaches)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 5 minutes to grill the peaches. The total time is approximately 20 minutes. It’s quick, fresh, and great for those busy days or a light summer meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. It should be nice and hot to get those lovely grill marks on your peaches!
2. Prepare the Peaches:
In a bowl, gently toss the peach wedges with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. This step helps them grill beautifully without sticking.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peach slices on the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want to see some nice grill marks and have them become slightly softened. Once done, remove them from the grill and set aside.
4. Assemble the Greens:
Take a large salad bowl or a platter and lay down the mixed fresh salad greens. This will be the delicious base for your salad.
5. Add the Grilled Peaches:
Carefully distribute the grilled peaches over the bed of greens, making it pretty and inviting!
6. Toss in the Berries:
Evenly sprinkle the blackberries and blueberries over the salad. These will add sweetness and a pop of color!
7. Top with Nuts and Cheese:
Next, add the toasted pecans and crumbled goat or feta cheese on top for that delightful crunch and creaminess.
8. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, along with the salt and pepper until everything is perfectly combined.
9. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. If you enjoy a little more sweetness, you can lightly drizzle some additional honey over the top.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Gently toss the salad to mix the flavors, or you can serve it as is. Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing grilled peach salad immediately!
This salad beautifully balances the sweet and smoky flavor of grilled peaches with fresh berries, tangy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a simple vinaigrette, making it perfect for summer meals or as a side dish. Enjoy!
FAQ About Easy Grilled Peach Salad with Fresh Greens
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
While fresh peaches are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. Grill them briefly to mimic that nice charred flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp!
What Other Greens Can I Use in This Salad?
Feel free to mix up the greens! Kale, romaine, or even cabbage can be great alternatives. Just keep in mind that to make tougher greens like kale softer, you might want to massage them a bit before assembling the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply swap out the goat or feta cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative or top with avocado slices for creaminess. You can also replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing for a fully vegan option.
