This vibrant summer salad features juicy, grilled peaches that add a sweet surprise. Toss in some fresh greens and a drizzle of honey vinaigrette for extra flavor!
Imagine biting into warm, caramelized peaches—it’s like summer on a plate! I love serving this salad as a light meal or a fun side at BBQs. Simple and oh-so-refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Ripe peaches are what make this salad special. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you could use nectarines for a similar flavor. Just make sure they’re ripe to get that wonderful sweetness.
Mixed Salad Greens: I love a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and radicchio for color and taste. If you can’t find these, feel free to use any leafy greens you have on hand, like romaine or kale.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch and savory taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas can work well as substitutes.
Cheese: Blue cheese is a great match for the sweetness of peaches, but if it’s not your favorite, feta cheese makes a lovely alternative, offering a tangy kick.
Honey Vinaigrette: This simple dressing adds sweetness and acidity. You can swap honey for maple syrup if you want a vegan version, and mustard can be omitted if you’re not a fan.
How Do You Grill Peaches Without Them Sticking?
Grilling peaches perfectly requires a little attention, but it’s easy. Here’s how to ensure they don’t stick:
- Start with ripe peaches, as they are easier to grill and get nice grill marks.
- Brush the cut sides with olive oil to create a barrier against sticking.
- Preheat the grill to a medium-high temperature. A hot grill will sear the peaches quickly, helping them release easily.
- Place the peaches cut side down on the grill and avoid moving them around too much. Let them sit for 3-4 minutes.
- When it’s time to flip, use a wide spatula to gently lift the peaches, which helps to keep them intact.
By following these steps, your peaches will have beautiful grill marks and won’t stick to the grates!
Easy Summer Grilled Peach Salad With Honey Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and radicchio)
- 6 slices of crispy bacon, chopped or whole as garnish
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (or feta as an alternative)
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
For the Honey Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, with a little additional time for grilling the peaches. It’s a quick and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches:
First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While that heats up, lightly brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil to help prevent them from sticking to the grill.
2. Grill the Peaches:
Once your grill is hot, place the peach halves cut side down. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until you see lovely grill marks and the peaches begin to soften. After that, carefully flip them over to grill the skin side for another 2 minutes. Once done, remove them from the grill and set aside.
3. Make the Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed!
4. Prepare the Salad Base:
Grab a large salad bowl or individual serving plates and arrange your mixed greens. Drizzle about half of the honey vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to add the grilled peach halves on top of the dressed greens. Crumble blue cheese over each peach half and sprinkle crispy bacon pieces throughout the salad. Finish with a garnish of fresh chopped chives.
6. Final Touch:
Drizzle the remaining honey vinaigrette over the peaches and the rest of the salad to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately while the peaches are still warm and enjoy this refreshing dish!
This grilled peach salad combines sweet, savory, and fresh elements, making it a perfect light meal or accompaniment for any summer occasion!
FAQ for Easy Summer Grilled Peach Salad With Honey Vinaigrette
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the honey vinaigrette and grill the peaches beforehand. Store the vinaigrette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just grill the peaches and assemble the salad just before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What if I Can’t Find Ripe Peaches?
If ripe peaches aren’t available, nectarines are a great substitute, as they have a similar flavor and texture. You could also try using ripe plums for a different twist. Choose fruit that is firm yet slightly soft to the touch for optimal grilling.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the bacon with crispy chickpeas or slivered almonds for crunch, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Substitute honey in the vinaigrette with maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers. The grilled peaches and salad greens can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to eat to maintain the salad’s crispness and freshness!
