This refreshing salad combines juicy grilled peaches, crisp greens, and a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish for summer gatherings!
The warm peaches mixed with the fresh greens make my taste buds dance! 🌞 You can toss in some nuts or cheese for extra crunch and flavor—it’s super easy and so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Use ripe, firm peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute nectarines or plums. Both will add a similar sweetness and grill nicely.
Mixed Greens: Baby spinach or arugula work well, but feel free to use any greens you prefer. You might also try kale or romaine for a different texture.
Berries: Blackberries and blueberries are delicious, but you can swap in strawberries or raspberries. They’re just as vibrant and add a nice fruity touch!
Nuts: Pecan halves add great crunch, but walnuts or almonds are good choices if you want to mix it up. Just watch out for allergies!
Cheese: Goat cheese gives a creamy tang, but feta works too. If you want a dairy-free option, try a nut-based cheese or simply omit it for a lighter salad.
How Do I Grill Peaches Without Burning Them?
Grilling peaches is simple but needs attention to prevent burning. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high. Brush the peaches with olive oil to help them grill evenly and avoid sticking.
- Grill cut side down first for 3-4 minutes until you see good grill marks and the peaches soften.
- Flip them over for an additional 2 minutes to warm through. Keep an eye on them—they can burn quickly!
- Let the peaches cool a bit before slicing to make handling easier and safer.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly grilled peaches to enhance your salad!
Easy Grilled Peach Salad with Fresh Greens
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Fruits & Greens:
- 3 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 cups mixed fresh greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, spring mix)
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1/2 cup blueberries
Crunchy Add-Ons:
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
Dressing & Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling peaches)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to grill the peaches. You’ll be enjoying this colorful and tasty dish in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by warming up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This way, your peaches will get those nice grill marks!
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Lightly brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil. This helps them not stick to the grill and gives them a nice look once cooked.
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut side down on the hot grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, until you see nice grill marks and they start to soften. Carefully flip the peaches and grill the skin side for another 2 minutes. Once done, take them off the grill and let them cool for a moment before slicing each half into wedges.
4. Toss the Greens and Berries:
In a large salad bowl, add your mixed fresh greens, blackberries, blueberries, and pecan halves. Give them a gentle toss to combine everything nicely.
5. Add the Grilled Peaches:
Now, it’s time to add the warm, grilled peach wedges on top of the greens. They add a sweet flavor and make the salad look so inviting!
6. Crumble the Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta over the salad. This adds a creamy touch that perfectly complements the sweet peaches.
7. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors together!
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and give it a gentle toss to combine everything. Don’t toss too hard; we want to keep the peach slices intact!
9. Enjoy Your Salad!
Serve the salad immediately so the ingredients stay fresh and vibrant. Enjoy the delightful mix of sweet grilled peaches, refreshing greens, and juicy berries in every bite!
This salad is light, colorful, and perfect for summer meals or a refreshing healthy side dish. Dive in and enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ: Easy Grilled Peach Salad with Fresh Greens
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture, you can use canned or frozen peaches in a pinch. If using canned, choose peaches in juice or light syrup and drain them well. For frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture.
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and only add it to the portion you’ll eat to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan-Friendly?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, simply leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also replace the honey with maple syrup for a completely plant-based dressing!
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar in the Dressing?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Just add a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity, like a bit more honey or maple syrup to taste.
