This Fresh Grilled Peach Salad brightens up any meal! Sweet, juicy peaches are grilled to perfection and tossed with crunchy greens and creamy cheese. Yum!
Honestly, who knew salad could taste this good? The honey dressing adds a sweet touch that makes it hard to resist going back for more. Perfect for summer days!
I love serving this salad as a light lunch or a stunning side dish at barbecues. Just grill those peaches, mix it up, and watch everyone ask for your secret ingredient!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: For this salad, look for ripe but firm peaches. They should give slightly when pressed but not be overly soft. If peaches aren’t available, nectarines work well too, or you could use grilled apples for a different twist!
Mixed Greens: I love using a mix of arugula and spinach for a peppery and mild flavor combo. You can also swap in romaine or any leafy green you like. Just make sure it’s fresh!
Cheese: Goat cheese adds a creamy tang, but feta is a great substitute if you’re looking for something milder. For a vegan option, try using avocado or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds add great texture and are a safe alternative!
How Do You Get Perfect Grilled Peaches?
Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness and adds that smoky flavor. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Use medium-high heat for the grill. Preheating is important!
- Brush peach halves with oil to prevent sticking and to promote grilling.
- Place them cut side down on the grill and don’t move them for 3-4 minutes. This helps those beautiful grill marks!
- Once they soften a bit, let them cool before slicing; this retains more juice!
With these tips, your grilled peaches will be perfectly juicy and delicious, making the salad truly shine!
Fresh Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
For the Honey Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will take about 20 minutes of your time from start to finish. It involves grilling the peaches, making the dressing, and tossing everything together. So, it’s a quick yet delicious option for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill and the Peaches:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take your peach halves and brush them lightly with olive oil. This helps them grill nicely and prevents sticking.
2. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches on the grill cut side down. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and they have slightly softened. Once done, take them off the grill and let them cool a bit. After they have cooled, slice each peach half into wedges.
3. Make the Honey Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined and smooth. Taste it and adjust seasoning if necessary!
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese. Toss them gently to mix everything together.
5. Add the Grilled Peaches:
Top the salad with the sliced grilled peaches and drizzle on the honey dressing. Toss everything gently just before serving to combine the flavors without breaking up the peaches.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch! Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy flavors!
Enjoy your delicious Fresh Grilled Peach Salad!
FAQ for Fresh Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Dressing
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Salad?
Absolutely! While peaches are delightful, you can substitute them with nectarines, plums, or even grilled pineapple for a unique twist. Just keep in mind the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit you choose.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing for a vegan option.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressed salad is best eaten fresh, but you can keep the grilled peaches and dressing for up to 2 days. Just combine them with fresh greens when ready to enjoy!
Can I Prepare the Dressing in Advance?
Definitely! You can make the honey dressing up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good shake before using to recombine any separation.
