This bright and tasty summer salad features juicy grilled peaches, fresh greens, and a sweet honey vinaigrette. It’s perfect for hot days and easy to whip up!
Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness, making this salad a winner! I love having it for lunch, especially with a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t available, nectarines work well too as they have a similar texture and taste.
Bacon: If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or a crispy chickpea substitute can add crunch without the extra fat. Just cook them until crispy!
Mixed Greens: I love a mix of arugula and radicchio for bold flavors, but spinach or kale can be great alternatives if you prefer a milder taste.
Blue Cheese: For a milder cheese, consider goat cheese or feta. Both would add a nice creaminess without the strong blue cheese flavor.
Honey Vinaigrette: If you need a vegan version, maple syrup can replace honey, and you can also use tahini for an extra kick!
How Do You Grill Peaches Without Them Sticking?
Grilling can be tricky, especially with fruit. Here’s how to get perfect grilled peaches:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush the peach halves lightly with olive oil, which prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
- Grill them cut-side down for 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks.
- Flip and grill for another 2 minutes to soften without falling apart.
- Remove them carefully using a spatula; they should slide right off!
With these tips, your grilled peaches will be flavorful and intact, making your salad even more enjoyable!
Easy Summer Grilled Peach Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 6 slices of crispy bacon
- 5 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, romaine, radicchio)
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
For the Honey Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and grilling the peaches, and the rest is just assembling everything. Perfect for quick, summer meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures that the peaches will get nice grill marks and a bit of that smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Peaches:
Lightly brush the cut sides of the peach halves with olive oil to keep them from sticking to the grill. This gives them a nice golden color too!
3. Grill the Peaches:
Place the peaches cut-side down on the grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until you see those lovely grill marks. Flip them over gently and grill for another 2 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
4. Cook the Bacon:
While the peaches are grilling, you can crisp up the bacon. Cook the bacon in a skillet or in the oven until it’s nice and crunchy. Then, let it cool a bit before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.
5. Make the Honey Vinaigrette:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until you see it nicely blended into a vinaigrette.
6. Toss the Greens:
In a large bowl, add your mixed salad greens. Drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the greens and give them a gentle toss to coat them evenly.
7. Assemble the Salad:
Arrange the grilled peach halves on top of the mixed greens. It’s starting to look beautiful already!
8. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles, crispy bacon pieces, and chopped chives over the salad for extra flavor and crunch.
9. Final Drizzle:
Before serving, drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the entire salad for that extra burst of flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your refreshing summer salad with sweet grilled peaches is ready! Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy the deliciousness!
FAQ for Easy Summer Grilled Peach Salad
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! Plums or nectarines are great substitutes for peaches since they have similar textures and flavors. Just make sure they’re ripe for grilling!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and blue cheese. For extra protein, consider adding chickpeas or other beans, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad components separate. Place the mixed greens and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reassemble and drizzle with vinaigrette!
Can I Make the Honey Vinaigrette in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the honey vinaigrette a day or two ahead of time. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may settle.
