Looking for something new and different to make with fresh summer peaches? This grilled peach salad makes the perfect addition to end of the summer meals. It goes together in just minutes and each bite is full of exciting flavors that are a bit salty, sweet, and savory. I think you're going to LOVE it!
There's something magical that happens when you grill peaches. As they cook their natural sugars deepen and caramelize while also infusing them with a slight smoky flavor. Their texture softens and they are juicier. It's amazing!
While peaches are most commonly associated with sweet recipes such as peach cobbler and peach oatmeal, they also work amazingly in more savory preparations, especially when grilled.
Looking for more salads with fruit? Try this summer strawberry salad, it's another favorite!
Jump to:
What You'll Need to Make a Peach Summer Salad
This salad brings together all my favorite flavors of summer! From fresh juicy peaches to tart, sweet blackberries and simple salad dressing, it's got all the summer feels. Here's what you need to make the magic happen:
- Mixed greens: You can use any variety of mixed greens or spring mix you enjoy though tender baby greens work best.
- Peaches: If possible pick up your peaches from the farmer's market within a few days of making the salad. Make sure to choose firm peaches that are free from bruises. They will continue to ripen a bit after you bring them home so keep that in mind when buying them.
- Blackberries: Juicy fresh blackberries look spectacular in this summer salad recipe and they also work well with the grilled peaches.
- Vegan feta cheese: The salty flavor of the cheese works perfectly to balance the sweetness of the fruit and the tanginess of the dressing, pulling all the flavors together.
- Shallots: I prefer the milder flavor of shallots in salads but you can also use regular onion if it's easier. Red onions are a good choice for salads.
- Avocado: The creaminess of avocado adds a bit of healthy fat that makes this peach salad recipe feel so decadent.
- Pecans: Peaches and pecans are a match made in heaven, need I say more? 😉
- Dijon mustard: Adds flavor but also helps to emulsify the dressing.
- Maple syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to soften the acidity of the dressing. You can use another preferred sweetener to replace maple syrup if desired.
- Lemon juice: For salad dressings, I highly recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings a milder vinegar flavor to the dressing which works especially well.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite healthy oil for salads!
Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients.
Substitutions
Missing ingredients? Here are some quick swaps you can use instead.
- Swap the mixed greens for baby spinach, baby kale, or baby arugula instead.
- No blackberries? You can use strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries instead. They each bring a different flavor profile but will work well with the peaches and other ingredients.
- Use a different vinegar. Rice vinegar and white wine vinegar have a similar mild vinegar flavor or if you prefer something a bit more bold you can also use white balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar.
Variations
Looking to make some changes or use up ingredients you have in your kitchen? Here are some ideas for inspiration:
- Swap the peaches for plums or nectarines! These other types of stone fruit also work well on the grill and with salads.
- Add more varieties of fruit. For a mix of textures and flavors, crunchy apples, plump blueberries, and pears work well.
- Add a protein. If you're looking to turn this into a main dish salad, you can add some crispy chickpeas, baked tofu, or canned white beans.
How to Make Grilled Peach Salad
Making this peach salad recipe is simple and takes just a few minutes to prepare. Here's a look at the simple steps.
- Prep your peaches and then toss them with a bit of olive oil. Place them on a grill or grill pan and cook on both sides until they are softened.
PRO TIP: Keep the peels on! I find they grill easier with them intact. Make sure to cut the peach slices evenly so they cook in the same amount of time.
- Mix up the dressing. Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or cup and whisk them together.
- Combine all your salad ingredients in a large bowl. This includes grilled peach wedges, blackberries, avocado, vegan feta, shallots, and pecans. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad and dig in!
How to Store
This grilled peach salad is best enjoyed freshly made. If you have extras, store the dressing and salad separately. Add the dressing just before you are ready to eat.
The simple vinaigrette will last stored in a small jar or airtight container for up to a week. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days.
Serving Suggestions
This easy peach salad recipe makes a great side dish for all types of meals. Here are a few of my favorites to enjoy with it.
- Enjoy this salad for lunch or a quick dinner, and you can even serve it up for dinner guests on the weekend.
- Make a big bowl and carry it with you to a picnic, a summer BBQ, or a cookout!
- It goes great with this chickpea tuna salad or vegan tortilla wrap for an easy lunch.
- Love soup and salad? Combine with a bowl of this roasted red pepper and tomato soup or hearty minestrone soup.
- For dinner, serve it with lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, lemon garlic pasta, or ravioli.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to use firm yet ripe peaches. Peaches continue to ripen even after they're picked so if they're a bit hard at the store, you will need to give them a few days to ripen. You don't to use soft peaches as they may fall apart on the grill.
- Mix the dressing with the salad just before serving. This way your greens will stay nice and fresh.
- Allow the peaches to cook on each side without moving so you get beautiful grill marks.
- If using an outdoor grill make sure to clean the grill grates well before cooking your peaches.
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! Though an outdoor grill does tend to add a smokier flavor you can still get the caramelization and nice grill marks using a grill pan.
If your peaches are a bit firm, place them in a paper bag and close it. Keep them inside for 1-3 days to ripen. The paper bag holds the ethylene gas the peaches release inside the bag so they can then reabsorb this gas which speeds up ripening.
Grilled peaches for a salad are best with fresh peaches. I would not recommend trying it with frozen or canned peaches.
More Salad Recipes
Peach Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- mixed greens
- peaches
- blackberries
- vegan feta
- shallots
- avocado
- pecans
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- juice of ½ lemon
- ⅛ cup apple cider vinegar
- ⅛ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Wash, cut, and slice the peaches. Add them to a bowl and drizzle some olive oil over them. Then add them to a pan or a grill and grill on both sides until they are softened.
- Add the greens to a salad bowl, then the grilled peaches, blackberries, avocado, vegan feta, shallots, and pecans.
- Set the salad aside to make the dressing.
- To make the dressing, combine all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or cup and whisk them.
- Add the dressing to the salad and dig in!
Leave a Reply