| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 435 | 32g | 8g | 31g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 29g | 6g | 9g | 0.01g |
Every summer, there’s one particular dish that brings all the freshness of the season onto my table. It’s a personal favorite, the Grilled Peach Salad. The richness of the warm, grilled peaches works perfectly with the crispness of the salad greens and the tang of goat cheese, tied together by the sweet yet tart balsamic vinaigrette. Imagine each bite as a bright explosion of summertime flavors dancing on your palate.
While my culinary journey began with New England seafood, moving onto other fresh ingredients has always been a joy. The foods we cook and eat are an exploration of who we are and where we come from. And though New England has its fair share of amazing seafood, the region’s peaches are a delightful revelation each summer. From peach pies to this Grilled Peach Salad, it’s a fruit that knows how to impress.
A Healthful Summer Delight
From a health perspective, this dish is at the top of the list. Peaches are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Combined with fresh salad greens and cherry tomatoes, this Grilled Peach Salad brings a bounty of vitamins A, C, and E, to your plate, along with dietary fiber. While the salad is a treat to your taste buds, its health benefits are an added bonus.
And let’s not forget the heart-healthy goodness of olive oil and the protein-rich bites of goat cheese. Throw in some roasted almonds for a crunch, and you have a salad that tastes like a dessert but acts like a health food.
Perfect Pairings
Like a glass of wine that pairs perfectly with a meal, I find this Grilled Peach Salad works wonderfully alongside grilled seafood, especially lobster or scallops. The sweet and savory balance of the salad complements the richness of seafood. It also performs beautifully as a standalone dish for those light summer lunches. If you enjoy your greens with a touch of fruit, like Waldorf salad or an Apple-Cranberry salad, this Grilled Peach Salad, too, is refreshingly fruity.
Finally, the recipe itself is simple and approachable, which is very important when you are a busy mom of two like me. And the best part? My daughters Erin and Samantha love it, which makes it a winner in my book!
What You’ll Need
- 6 ripe peaches, cut in half, pit removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 8 ounces of mixed salad greens
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup of roasted almonds, chopped
Method
Step One
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and honey. Add the peaches and toss them until they are fully coated.
Step Three
Place the peaches cut side down on the grill. Grill them for 4-5 minutes or until they begin to soften and the grill marks appear. Then, remove them from the grill and allow them to cool.
Step Four
In a large salad bowl, combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
Step Five
To prepare the dressing, in a small bowl whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Step Six
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss the ingredients until they are evenly coated.
Step Seven
Add the grilled peaches, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped roasted almonds to the salad and gently toss again until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Eight
Serve the salad immediately, optionally with a little extra dressing drizzled on top.
