Grilled Peach Salad: A Taste of Summer

This Grilled Peach Salad is a vibrant celebration of late-summer bounty, combining the sweetness of perfectly grilled peaches with fresh greens, creamy mozzarella, and a bright, tangy lemon-honey vinaigrette. It’s a salad that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat!

When peaches are at their peak – sweet, juicy, and fragrant – this salad becomes an instant favorite. It’s the ideal companion to your grilled mains, from steak and chicken to simple shrimp skewers. The combination of caramelized peaches, tender mozzarella, and the zesty dressing is simply irresistible. Get ready to make this on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Peach Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a delightful culinary experience. Here’s why it’s a guaranteed hit:

• Fruit Fanatic Approved: If you love incorporating fruit into your salads, this recipe is for you! It joins the ranks of other refreshing combinations like apple or strawberry salads, proving that fruits and vegetables are a match made in salad heaven.
• Celebration of the Season: This salad is a perfect showcase for fresh, seasonal produce. Ripe peaches, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp greens, and aromatic basil come together to capture the essence of late summer.
• Incredibly Versatile: Serve it as an elegant starter for an outdoor meal, a generous side dish, or transform it into a light main course by adding grilled protein like shrimp or chicken.
• Those Glorious Grilled Peaches: The star of the show! Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness and creates a beautiful caramelization that adds a depth of flavor you can’t get otherwise. (Pro tip: Grill extra peaches and enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, heavenly dessert!)

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create this stunning grilled peach salad:

For the Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (use your favorite high-quality oil)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (for that essential brightness)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (adds a lovely tang)
• 1 tablespoon honey (balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness)
• ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper

For the Salad:

• 3 large, ripe yet firm peaches (choose peaches that are sweet and fragrant)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the peaches before grilling)
• 3 cups mixed spring greens (or your preferred salad base)
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes (bursting with juicy flavor)
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls or halved “cherry-size” fresh mozzarella balls (for creamy, tender bites)
• ¼ cup thin slices red onion (adds a crisp, slightly sharp contrast)
• ¼ cup small fresh basil leaves (provides a fragrant, peppery note)
• Maldon sea salt flakes & freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for finishing)

Find the exact ingredient amounts in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this delightful grilled peach salad is simple. Here’s how:

1. Whip Up the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined. Alternatively, combine them in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Peaches: Slice the peaches in half and carefully remove the pits. Cut each peach half into 3-4 thick wedges. Lightly brush all the cut sides of the peach wedges with olive oil.
3. Grill the Peaches: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the clean grill grates liberally with oil to prevent sticking. Place the oiled peach wedges on the grill, cut-side down. Grill for about 1-3 minutes, undisturbed, until distinct grill marks appear. Depending on the ripeness, you may grill both cut sides or just one. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy. Use a thin metal spatula to gently lift the peaches from the grill, preserving those beautiful marks. Transfer to a plate and let them cool slightly while you assemble the salad.
4. Assemble the Salad: Arrange the spring greens evenly on a large platter. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and thin red onion slices over the greens.
5. Dress the Salad: Shake or whisk the prepared dressing again, then drizzle as much as you like over the assembled salad ingredients.
6. Add the Grilled Peaches: Gently arrange the cooled grilled peach wedges amongst the other salad components on the platter, nestling them in here and there.
7. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with small fresh basil leaves, a pinch of Maldon sea salt flakes, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!

You Must Know

• Choosing the Right Peaches: Freestone peaches are ideal for grilling because their pits are easily removed. Look for ripe, sweet, and juicy peaches that still have a bit of firmness to hold up on the grill.
• The Magic of Grilling: Grilling peaches caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their sweetness and adding a subtle smoky depth that elevates the entire salad.
• Don’t Skip the Dressing: The lemon-honey vinaigrette is crucial! Its bright, tangy flavor perfectly complements the sweet grilled peaches and creamy mozzarella.

Make Ahead and Storage

For the freshest taste, this grilled peach salad is best enjoyed right after assembling. However, you can certainly prepare components in advance:

• Dressing: The vinaigrette can be made 1-2 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container (like a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid) in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.
• Vegetables: The cherry tomatoes and red onion can be cut and stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator a few hours before assembling.
• Grilled Peaches: While best fresh, grilled peaches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day. They may lose some firmness, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Once assembled and dressed, this salad does not store well as the greens will wilt and the peaches may become too soft.

Seasonal Variations

Embrace the flavors of other seasons by adapting this salad:

• Fall: Swap peaches for grilled pears or apples and use a maple-Dijon vinaigrette. Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Spring: Use grilled strawberries or apricots. A poppyseed dressing would be a lovely complement.

Serving Suggestions

This grilled peach salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:

• Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Other Summer Sides: Complement it with creamy coleslaw, pasta salad, or potato salad for a backyard barbecue feast.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous portion as a light and refreshing lunch.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with warm honey cornbread muffins or popovers to soak up the delicious dressing.

No-Bake Alternative

If grilling isn’t an option, you can still enjoy a delicious peach salad. Simply slice ripe, fresh peaches (no need to brush with oil) and add them directly to the assembled salad with the other ingredients. While you’ll miss the caramelized notes from grilling, the natural sweetness of ripe peaches will still be delightful in the salad. Consider adding toasted nuts for texture in place of the grilled element.

Pro Tips

• Choose the Right Peaches: As mentioned, ripe but firm freestone peaches are key for grilling success.
• Ripening Peaches: If your peaches are a bit hard, place them stem-side down in a brown paper bag and loosely fold the top. Let them sit at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for 1-3 days, checking daily until they have a slight give.
• Larger is Easier: Bigger peaches are easier to handle on the grill. Slice them into thick wedges that are less likely to fall through the grates.
• Clean and Oil the Grill: This is crucial to prevent the peaches from sticking and to ensure clean grill marks. Heat the grill, scrub the grates clean, then brush them generously with vegetable oil before adding the peaches.
• Don’t Flip Too Soon: Allow the peaches to develop those distinct char marks before attempting to flip them. Patience is rewarded with beautiful grill lines.
• Thin Spatula is Your Friend: A thin metal spatula is helpful for gently lifting the peaches from the grill, especially if they are slightly sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe? A: It’s best to use fresh, ripe peaches for grilling as frozen peaches will become too soft and mushy on the grill.

Q: Can I make the entire salad ahead of time? A: For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to assemble and dress the salad just before serving. You can prep the components (dressing, chopped vegetables, grilled peaches) in advance and combine them at the last minute.

Q: What other cheese can I use instead of fresh mozzarella? A: Goat cheese, burrata, or even shaved Parmesan would be delicious alternatives, each offering a slightly different flavor and texture profile.

Q: How do I prevent the peaches from sticking to the grill? A: Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled, and brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil before grilling. Using medium-high heat helps create a quick sear, reducing sticking.

Q: Can I add protein to make this a main dish? A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even halloumi cheese would be excellent additions to make this salad a complete meal.

Print