Indulge in the flavors of the season with this Grilled Peach Summer Salad! Arugula and pistachios complement the juicy peaches, creating a refreshing and elegant dish perfect for your late summer BBQs. Picture this: juicy grilled peaches, peppery arugula, and crunchy pistachios all mingling together in a symphony of flavors. It’s like a taste of sunshine in every bite.
So, if you’re ready to impress your guests and your taste buds, let’s dive into this delightful grilled peach salad recipe that’s a match made in salad heaven for those late summer BBQ’s. Get ready to savor the taste of sunshine!
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’re going to love this salad because despite its stunning presentation, this recipe is surprisingly easy to put together. The straightforward steps and readily available ingredients make it a go-to for both casual meals and special occasions. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but remains health-conscious. With nutrient-rich ingredients and a balanced dressing, it’s a guilt-free pleasure that offers both flavor and healthy choices.
While perfect for BBQs, this salad isn’t limited to just one occasion. Its versatility means it’s equally at home as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or a standalone delight!
What makes this salad healthy?
This peach salad recipe embodies healthy and delicious choices. The combination of fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients and a balanced dressing enhances its healthiness. Here’s why:
- Nutrient-Packed Ingredients: Ripe peaches provide vitamins A and C, while baby arugula is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Feta cheese and pistachios contribute protein, healthy fats, and minerals.
- Balanced Flavors: This salad recipe utilizes a variety of ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of grilled peaches complements the peppery arugula, tangy feta, and crunchy pistachios.
- Light Dressing: The dressing is made with olive oil, a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. White wine vinegar and lemon juice add acidity without excessive calories. The Dijon mustard and honey provide a balanced, subtle sweetness.
- Portion Control: The recipe yields 6 servings, encouraging portion moderation and preventing overeating.
- Minimal Processing: The focus on fresh, whole ingredients minimizes processing and preserves their natural nutritional value.
- Fiber Content: Arugula, peaches, and pistachios contain dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Remember, healthy eating is about balance and variety. This Grilled Peach Summer Salad offers a great mix of flavors and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a nourishing meal option. Enjoy the vibrant tastes while benefiting from the goodness it brings to the table!
RELATED: Summer Peach Salad with Fresh Mint Dressing – Featuring seasonal peaches, blueberries, avocado, red onions and blue cheese, this summer salad is perfect for a weeknight meal. Toss in a fresh mint vinaigrette dressing for an easy summer salad your whole family will love!
Ingredients
From the crunch of pistachios to the tender grilled peaches and the creamy feta, this salad boasts a variety of textures that keep each mouthful interesting and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing summer salad:
For the salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved
- 1 (5 ounce) package baby arugula
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¾ cup roasted pistachios
For the dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the full list of ingredients, and the printable recipe, be sure to check out the recipe card below.
How to make this delicious peach salad
Step 1: Preheat your grill to high heat (450°F to 550°F).
Step 2: Brush the grill grates with oil.
Step 3: Place the peaches, cut sides down, on the grill.
Step 4: Grill the peaches for 4 minutes per side, or until they are well charred.
Step 5: In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, feta, mint, and pistachios.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Step 7: Arrange salad mixture on a plate, top with two grilled peach halves, top with a drizzle of the dressing, and sprinkle with some feta cheese. Serve & enjoy!!
Make this Summer Grilled Peach Salad, then check out my Summer Peach Salad with Fresh Mint Dressing and more of my healthy summer salad recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
How do you grill peaches for a salad?
Here are some handy tips to help you grill peaches perfectly for your Grilled Peach Summer Salad:
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Opt for ripe but firm peaches. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure without being too soft. Avoid overly ripe peaches that can become mushy on the grill.
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is preheated to high heat (around 450°F to 550°F). The high heat helps to caramelize the sugars on the peaches’ surface and create those beautiful grill marks.
- Clean and Oil the Grates: Clean grill grates prevent sticking. Before grilling, brush the grates with a bit of oil using a paper towel or a grill brush.
- Cut and Pit Carefully: Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Gently twist the halves to separate them from the pit. A small paring knife can help lift the pit out if needed.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the cut sides of the peaches with a neutral oil like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil. This helps prevent sticking and aids in achieving those attractive grill marks.
- Grill Cut Side Down: Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. This is where the high heat will create those beautiful grill marks and caramelize the natural sugars.
- Don’t Move Them Too Soon: Allow the peaches to cook without moving them for about 4 minutes. This helps the grill marks develop and prevents the peaches from sticking.
- Char and Caramelization: The goal is to achieve a nice char and caramelization on the cut side of the peaches. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the grill.
- Grill Mark Check: Lift the peach slightly to peek underneath and check for those desirable grill marks. Once achieved, flip them over gently.
- Grill the Other Side: Grill the second side for another 4 minutes or until you notice grill marks and a bit of caramelization.
- Test for Doneness: Gently poke the peaches with a fork. They should be tender but not mushy. Remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the grill due to residual heat.
- Cool Slightly: Let the grilled peaches cool slightly before slicing or dicing them for the salad. This prevents them from wilting the arugula.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create those perfectly grilled peaches that add a burst of sweetness and smokiness to your delectable salad creation!
How do you store this salad?
Storing your delightful Grilled Peach Summer Salad is a breeze! Here’s how to keep its flavors and textures intact:
- Short-Term Storage: If you plan to enjoy the salad within a day or two, you can store the components separately. Place the grilled peaches, arugula, feta cheese, and pistachios in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator.
- Assembly Just Before Serving: To maintain the salad’s freshness and visual appeal, it’s best to assemble it just before serving. Arrange the arugula on a serving platter or individual plates, then top with the grilled peaches, feta, and pistachios.
- Dressing Separation: If you’ve already mixed the dressing, store it in a separate container. The oil and vinegar might separate over time, so give it a good shake before drizzling it over the salad.
- Longer Storage: If you need to store the fully assembled salad for longer (up to a day), consider keeping the dressing on the side. Store the assembled salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before serving.
- Prevent Sogginess: To avoid a soggy salad, avoid adding the dressing too far in advance. Dress individual servings or the whole salad right before eating.
Remember, the key is to maintain the balance of flavors and textures that make this salad so delightful. By following these tips, you’ll be able to savor the amazing combination of grilled peaches, arugula, and pistachios whenever you’re ready to enjoy it!
🍂 Celebrate Autumn with this easy salad!
Mixed Green Salad with Apple and Goat Cheese
This delicious green salad with apple and goat cheese is filled with flavor from apples, raisins, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight side dish your whole family will love.
MAKE THIS SALAD → Mixed Green Salad with Apple and Goat Cheese
Other summer salad recipes to try
- Easy Farro Summer Salad – with fresh grape tomatoes, cucumbers, basil from your garden and a tasty vinaigrette this is a perfect, easy meal prep idea or potluck side dish.
- Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad – magine a harmonious blend of succulent chicken infused with the smoky allure of chipotle seasoning. Picture a vibrant medley of strawberries and blueberries dancing with creamy avocado on a bed of crisp mixed greens. It’s the ultimate summer salad that will leave you craving for more!
- Summer Corn Salad – made with sweet, buttery corn, sweet tomatoes, vibrant red onions, crisp cucumbers, flavorful feta cheese, fresh basil and a tasty dressing. It’s the perfect side dish salad for a summer BBQ!
- Summer Peach Salad with Fresh Mint Dressing – Featuring seasonal peaches, blueberries, avocado, red onions and blue cheese, this summer salad is perfect for a weeknight meal. Toss in a fresh mint vinaigrette dressing for an easy summer salad your whole family will love!
Grilled Peach Summer Salad Recipe
Elevate your late summer BBQ's with our elegant grilled peach salad featuring juicy peaches, peppery arugula, and crunchy pistachios in every delightful bite!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved
- 1 (5 ounce) package baby arugula
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¾ cup roasted pistachios
For the dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to high heat (450°F to 550°F).
- Brush the grill grates with oil.
- Place the peaches, cut sides down, on the grill.
- Grill the peaches for 4 minutes per side, or until they are well charred.
- In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, feta, mint, and pistachios.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 bowlAmount Per Serving: Calories: 365Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 416mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 4gSugar: 13gProtein: 8g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.
Feel free to look through the rest of my recipes and if you can’t find the recipe you’re looking for let me know and I’ll do my best to create it for you.
