🍑 Grilled Peach Blueberry Salad
📝 Description:
Sweet, smoky grilled peaches pair perfectly with juicy blueberries, crunchy toasted nuts, and creamy feta in this vibrant summer salad. Tossed with a honey-balsamic vinaigrette, this salad offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s a showstopper side or light main dish—ideal for cookouts, brunches, or a refreshing dinner on a warm day.
🛒 Ingredients:
🔸 Salad:
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, baby kale, or spring mix)
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
🔸 Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Grill the peaches:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly brush peach halves with a bit of olive oil and grill cut-side down for 3–4 minutes, until grill marks appear and peaches are slightly softened. Let cool slightly, then slice. - Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. - Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl or platter, layer the mixed greens, blueberries, grilled peach slices, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta. - Dress and serve:
Drizzle with the vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently or leave undressed for a composed look.
🍽️ Servings:
Makes 4 servings (as a side salad) or 2 servings (as a light main dish)
Serving size: ~1½–2 cups
🧂 Tips & Notes:
- Don’t overgrill: Peaches should be tender but not mushy. Ripe but firm peaches work best.
- Nut swaps: Try slivered almonds or candied pecans for a twist.
- Cheese alternatives: Goat cheese or blue cheese work well instead of feta.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas turn this salad into a filling entrée.
- Make ahead: Grill peaches and mix dressing ahead; assemble just before serving for freshness.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and nuts)
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 13g (from fruit and honey)
- Sodium: 200mg
💚 Health Benefits:
- Antioxidant-rich: Blueberries and peaches are packed with vitamins C, A, and polyphenols.
- Heart-healthy fats: Olive oil and nuts support cardiovascular wellness.
- Fiber boost: Supports digestion and satiety with leafy greens, fruit, and nuts.
- Naturally gluten-free & vegetarian.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use canned or frozen peaches?
A: Fresh is best for grilling, but in a pinch, canned (drained) or thawed frozen peaches can be used without grilling.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Grill peaches and make the dressing up to 1 day ahead. Assemble right before serving to avoid soggy greens.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: It can be! Simply omit the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative, and substitute maple syrup or agave for honey.
Q: What goes well with this salad?
A: Serve with grilled meats, a crusty baguette, or a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
A: Yes, just omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.