Grilled Peach Salad brings together the sweet and smoky flavor of grilled peaches with the freshness of arugula and the creaminess of feta cheese! This salad is quick and easy to make, making it an excellent choice for casual gatherings or a special occasion!
We’re living our best lives this summer with all our favorite farmer’s market finds like fresh peaches, big juicy blackberries, and peppery arugula. This grilled peach salad highlights the natural sugars in peaches to create a caramelized, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the slightly spicy arugula and other salad ingredients like tangy feta cheese, salty, crunchy pistachios, and a quick and simple vinaigrette dressing.
This salad showcases the beauty of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. By sourcing fresh, ripe peaches from your local farmer’s market, you can ensure they are ripe and bursting with flavor.
For more delicious recipes that use fresh peaches, check out my Fresh Peach Pie, Peach Freezer Jam, Peaches and Cream Slab Pie, Easy Peach Milkshakes, and Peach Hand Pies!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Grilled peach salad is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of vitamin C-rich peaches, along with the healthy fats from extra-virgin olive oil and the protein from feta cheese and pistachios.
- The combination of grilled peaches, peppery arugula, and creamy feta creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. Additionally, the use of fresh herbs, such as basil and mint, adds an aromatic element that elevates the entire dish.
- Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Arugula – Provides a peppery base that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
- Peaches – Choose ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. Grilling enhances their natural sugars.
- Blackberries – Adds a burst of tartness and vibrant color.
- Roasted Pistachios – Offers a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
- Feta Cheese – Provides a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet peaches.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the peaches and honey.
- Olive Oil – A healthy fat that creates a smooth dressing.
- Honey – Enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the vinaigrette.
How to Make Grilled Peach Salad Recipe
- Prepare the peaches. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Slice the peaches into large chunks to prevent them from falling through the grill grates. Brush both sides of the peach slices with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the peaches. Place the peaches on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear and the peaches are slightly caramelized. Remove the peaches from the grill and transfer them to a cutting board. If desired, slice the peaches into smaller pieces.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously until fully combined.
- Assemble the salad. In a large bowl or serving platter, add the arugula. Top with blackberries, roasted pistachios, crumbled feta, and the grilled peaches.
- Add dressing and serve. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette generously over the salad and toss to fully coat.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, gorgonzola, or bleu cheese if you prefer.
Absolutely! You can add or substitute fruits like fresh blueberries, strawberries, or cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
You can prepare the peaches and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp.
Grilled peach salad is best enjoyed at the time of preparation. Most salads tend to get soggy if not eaten right away, but I have found that this salad can last for an additional day in the refrigerator. The heartiness of the arugula helps to keep this salad crisp. To store leftovers, cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Select ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. Look for peaches that give slightly when gently pressed, indicating they are ready to be grilled.
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat before adding the peaches. This helps to achieve those pretty grill marks and caramelization without burning.
- Make the dressing ahead of time to let the flavors meld together. This can enhance the overall taste of your salad.
What To Serve With Grilled Peach Salad
This grilled peach salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like pork chops, chicken, steak, or even a nice, juicy burger. The smoky flavor of the peaches complements the savory taste of grilled proteins.
Alternatively, it makes for an excellent main dish. Simply throw some rotisserie or grilled chicken on top and toss. Serve with some crusty bread on the side.
Consider adding a crusty baguette or some homemade focaccia to your meal. The bread can help soak up the delicious vinaigrette and adds a satisfying crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute arugula with a spring mix or baby spinach if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Swap the peaches with other stone fruits like nectarines or apricots.
- Use blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries instead of blackberries for a different berry twist.
- Replace the pistachios with crunchy pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Try creamy goat cheese, blue cheese, or even burrata instead of feta cheese for a variation in creaminess and tanginess.
- White balsamic vinegar or lemon juice can be used in place of apple cider vinegar for a different acidic note in the dressing.
- Maple syrup can be a delicious alternative to honey for a different sweetness profile.
More Delicious Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Creamy German Cucumber Salad
- CPK Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad
- Seafood Pasta Salad
- Fig & Pistachio Salad with Easy Balsamic Dressing
- Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts
- Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata
- Easy Orange Pomegranate Salad recipe with an Orange Vinaigrette
Grilled Peach Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 (5-ounce) package arugula
- 2 peaches
- 1 (6-ounce) package blackberries
- ½ cup roasted pistachios
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Add dressing ingredients to a small bowl or mason jar. Whisk vigorously until fully combined. Set aside.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Slice peaches into large chunks. You want them large enough so they don’t fall through the grates.
- Brush both sides of the peaches with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place on the preheated grill. Cook peaches for 3-4 minutes, flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Transfer peaches to a cutting board. If desired, slice peaches into smaller pieces.
- In a large serving bowl or platter add arugula. Top with blackberries, pistachios, feta and grilled peaches. Generously drizzle prepared dressing evenly on top. Toss to fully coat salad.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the peaches and dressing ahead of time, then assemble the salad just before serving to keep the arugula fresh and crisp.
- Store: Transfer leftover salad to an airtight container or cover the serving bowl with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
