This Fresh Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad is a tasty way to enjoy summer fruits! Juicy peaches and sweet blueberries mix beautifully with crisp greens for a refreshing dish.
Grilling the peaches gives them a smoky flavor that makes this salad shine. I love serving it as a light lunch or a side at barbecues. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are the star here! If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines are a great substitute. They have a similar flavor and texture when grilled.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries bring a burst of sweetness. You could swap them for blackberries or raspberries based on your preference.
Mixed Salad Greens: I like using a mix of greens for texture. If you can’t find a salad mix, spinach or kale works well on their own.
Cheese: While I love feta for its crumbly nature, goat cheese gives a creamier element. If you’re dairy-free, try a nut cheese or simply skip it altogether.
Nuts: The nuts add a nice crunch. You can use any kind you like; almonds or sunflower seeds are fantastic alternatives!
How Do You Grill Peaches Without Them Sticking?
Grilling peaches can be tricky, but it’s easy with a couple of tips. Start by slicing them in half and removing the pit. Brushing the cut sides with olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high—this is key for caramelizing the sugars in the peaches.
- Place them cut-side down and don’t move them for the first few minutes. Wait until you see nice grill marks before checking.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes and keep an eye out for softness!
These steps will help you get perfectly grilled peaches every time! Enjoy your Fresh Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad!
Fresh Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Produce:
- 3 large ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
Nuts:
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and grill the peaches. After that, just toss everything together, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This helps to get those nice grill marks on the peaches.
2. Grill the Peaches:
Brush the cut sides of the peach halves lightly with a little olive oil. This will help prevent them from sticking to the grill. Place the peaches cut side down on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until you see lovely grill marks and they start to soften. Then, remove the peaches from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. It’s a simple dressing that adds a nice zing to the salad!
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, fresh blueberries, and the grilled peach slices (sliced into wedges after they’ve cooled slightly). If you’re using toasted nuts, add those too!
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss it gently to combine all the flavors. Be careful not to crush the fresh blueberries!
6. Add the Cheese:
Finally, top your salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy finish. This adds a delicious savory contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately so everything stays fresh and vibrant. Enjoy your refreshing and colorful Fresh Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad! Perfect for a light lunch or a lovely side dish at dinner. Happy eating!
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
While fresh peaches are best for grilling, you can use canned or frozen peaches in a pinch. If using canned, make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture. For frozen peaches, thaw them in the fridge and drain any excess liquid before grilling.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time! Grill the peaches and make the dressing a few hours in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the salad with the fresh greens and blueberries, and drizzle on the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftover salad, keep the greens, grilled peaches, and dressing separate. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, toss together the components for the best flavor and freshness!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile; you can substitute the peaches and blueberries with other seasonal fruits like strawberries, plums, or even melon. Just make sure to adjust the grilling time based on the fruit you choose!
